Groundworks are under way as a scheme to create a new drive-through restaurant progresses.

Work to develop a new McDonald's outlet in Lowestoft has begun, after diggers moved in and a construction site was unveiled.

Lowestoft Journal: Work is under way at land south of Leisure Way in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesWork is under way at land south of Leisure Way in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Plans to build a third McDonald's in Lowestoft were approved under delegated powers by East Suffolk Council in December last year - despite dozens of objections.

And now work to build the new McDonald's drive-through outlet of the fast-food restaurant chain - to be located on land south of Leisure Way, in north Lowestoft - is under way.

Lowestoft Journal: Work is under way at land south of Leisure Way in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesWork is under way at land south of Leisure Way in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Planning documents submitted as part of the application by agents Planware Ltd, on behalf of McDonald's, said 30 full-time posts and 90 part-time posts, would be created which equates to a full-time equivalent of 62 staff as the proposal represents a "multi-million-pound investment by a national operator in Lowestoft".

With diggers and workmen at the site of the development on undeveloped land opposite the Tesco supermarket, it is set to be the third McDonald's operating in the area - in addition to the other restaurants on Arbor Lane in Pakefield and Kirkley Rise in south Lowestoft.

Lowestoft Journal: Work is under way at land south of Leisure Way in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesWork is under way at land south of Leisure Way in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Described as a modern freestanding single storey restaurant with drive-thru facility, the proposal also includes 59 car parking spaces, four motorbike spaces and 12 cycle spaces, as well as eight EV charging bays, landscaping and associated works.

However, the plans proved controversial and faced a number of objections, including from Suffolk Wildlife Trust, which expressed concerns about the impact of the development on the neighbouring Gunton Meadow nature reserve around light, noise, litter and polluted water contaminating ponds and other sensitive habitats.

Lowestoft Journal: Work is under way at land south of Leisure Way in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesWork is under way at land south of Leisure Way in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The plans were approved with 26 conditions to be met, covering aspects such as litter management, deliveries and surface water.

Now groundworks are under way on the undeveloped land, which has been the subject of a number of planning proposals in recent years.

Planning permission had previously been approved for a care home and leisure schemes in 2009 and 2011.