As works to build a new McDonald's drive-thru site are underway in Lowestoft, the fast food chain has filed a notice to make it a 24-hour outlet.

The work at Leisure Way began in late July as diggers moved in.

And now the fast food chain has filed a 24-hour licensing application to East Suffolk Council for the site to operate.

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

Described as a modern freestanding single-storey restaurant with a 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.

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However, the plans proved controversial and faced a number of objections, including from Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

They had expressed concerns about the impact of the development on the neighbouring Gunton Meadow nature reserve around light, noise, litter and polluted water contaminating ponds.

Any representations must made be to East Suffolk Council as the licensing authority by September 13.

Lowestoft Journal: Work to build the new McDonalds is under way at land south of Leisure Way in Lowestoft. Work to build the new McDonalds is under way at land south of Leisure Way in Lowestoft. (Image: Mick Howes)