PLANS for a drive-thru burger restaurant in Ulverston look set to win approval tomorrow.

The bid by McDonalds has sparked strong feeling in the town, prompting 157 letters of objection, plus 47 letters and a petition in support.

The plans will come before South Lakeland District Council's planning committee tomorrow, and members are recommended to back the fast-food proposal.

McDonalds, famous for its Big Mac burgers, fries and milkshakes, says the new restaurant on brownfield land at Booths supermarket, on Oubas Hill, would create 35 full-time and 30 part-time jobs.

Planners will hear tomorrow that supporters say the drive-thru will bring Ulverston "up to date" and help the economy by attracting more visitors.

Objectors include Ulverston and District Civic Society, which has raised concerns about litter and the impact on town centre businesses.

District councillor Anne Hall has said siting a takeaway "near to one of Ulverston's most deprived wards" goes against the council's attempts to "promote good health and wellbeing".

She commented: "Ulverston is a market town revered for its local shops and anything done to undermine these businesses is again against policy."

Ulverston Town Council has raised no objection to the plan, which would see the recycling site at Booths relocated.

Planning officers are recommending the McDonalds is granted consent, subject to conditions including bat and bird boxes being placed at Next Ness Nature Reserve, and litter bins along Ulverston Canal.

They say the takeaway "will not have any significant adverse impact" on neighbours or the environment, and the design is "acceptable" on a retail park.