A FAST food giant has revealed when delayed building work will begin on its upcoming restaurant.

Plans to open a McDonald’s at Oubas Hill in Ulverston have been in the works for more than two years after a number of delays.

However, bosses have revealed the fast-food giant is pressing ahead with plans to open a new restaurant next to the Booths supermarket despite the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

McDonald’s chiefs had previously revealed the site would be set to open before mid-2020 after they were given the green light by South Lakeland District Council’s planning committee in June 2019.

Construction work on the restaurant was originally due to start in late 2019; however, work was put on hold.

A spokeswoman for McDonald’s has now revealed that it is now progressing with plans and hoping to start construction work later this year.

She said: “We are pleased to be progressing with our plans and hope to start building works later this year.”

New plans have also been put forward to SLDC to install six fascia signs outside the soon to-be-built McDonald’s restaurant.

The site, containing a restaurant and drive-thru, is expected to create at least 65 full and part-time jobs for local people.

Sharon Webster, an Ulverston Town councillor, welcomed the news that building work is due to start this year.

She said: “It was passed a long time ago now so progress definitely has to happen soon.

“I’m glad they’re going to start building work this year because people want to see a McDonald’s there - it’s been a long-time coming.

“I imagine Covid played a big part in construction work being delayed, but I’m glad we’re finally seeing progress.

“I think it’ll be really popular with families who want to take their kids there as a special treat without having to travel all the way to Barrow.

“I can’t imagine restaurants in the town will be affected because not everyone will want to go to McDonald’s. It’s a bit of variety for everyone.”

When the plans were first brought to SLDC, there were 157 letters of objection, plus 47 letters and a petition in support.

However, the planning committee still recommended the fast food giant for approval.

Concerns from objectors were raised over the impact on local businesses, consequent environmental and health factors such as litter-dropping and obesity levels, as well as the new site affecting traffic congestion on the nearby A590.