PLANS for a new retail park in Witham have left many locals feeling “excited” and “concerned” after hearing they look set to get their first McDonalds and KFC restaurants.

The longstanding plans for a new retail park with drive-thru restaurants and shops on Gershwin Boulevard was unveiled in May 2023 in a submission by Churchmanor Estates.

The proposal outlines five units of two drive-thrus and three retail units, two of which are combined.

It is planned for McDonald’s and Costa to fill two of the slots, with KFC earmarked for one of the two units in the combined building.  

Readers have been taking to Facebook to share their response.

Resident Richard Armstrong said: “Hopefully more comes, Witham has been dying for stuff!

“I remember when it had Go Karts, bowling, snooker, swimming… Now it has what?”

Positive - Some locals believe the retail park will offer more job and retail development opportunities Positive - Some locals believe the retail park will offer more job and retail development opportunities (Image: Google Maps) Shirlee Cutts commented: “It’s good, but I hope there’s some stores as well and not just more takeaways.”

Scott Elbourne said: “It’s a good idea but it’s going to cause so much congestion in that area—just look at Sainsbury’s in Colchester.

“Loving the idea for the Witham community, but it could just do with some extra thinking before it gets started.”

Dean Wells said: “More mess, more litter, more traffic—no thank you from me.”

Kare Mead said: “At least it will give the young people of Witham some opportunity with jobs.”

Speaking to the Times, Witham South councillor Paul Heath said: “Broadly speaking, I welcome the application—it’s long overdue.

“I do believe that if we want to attract major brands into Witham we have to offer a mix and make it appealing to the retailers to come, and for the shoppers to go there.

“A number of people told me they want a Home Bargains, B&M or M&S Food there—but any big business is only going to come if they feel they can make a success of it.”

Concerns - Some locals are concerned about noise, littering and traffic Concerns - Some locals are concerned about noise, littering and traffic (Image: PA) He continued: “I understand some of the concerns around the excess traffic into and out of the site.

“On that, we hope that permission is granted, and the council will learn the lessons that can be learned from Galleys Corner to ensure that won’t be repeated here.

“It’s hopeful that it’s going to provide entertainment and an uplift that allows us to try and attract other major brands to the area.

“It will provide local jobs and there should be jobs beneficial to the younger generation and university goers.

“It’s a marmite situation, you either love or you loathe takeaways,” Paul added.

The application has been recommended for approval, with the plans due to be discussed in a planning meeting next week.