Fast food giant McDonald’s is pressing ahead with designs for a controversial new drive-thru in Runcorn, despite continued uncertainty over whether or not it will still go ahead.

Halton Council’s development management committee recently rubber-stamped an application by Impero Development Management for a drive-thru, filling station and convenience store on land off Rocksavage Roundabout known as The Woodyard. The site lies between the A557 Weston Point Expressway and Weaver View in Runcorn, adjacent to Junction 12 of the M56.

But concerns were raised by a local councillor and residents, and an objection lodged by SABIC UK Petrochemicals over proximity to a major trans-Pennine pipeline which transports ethylene – which is highly flammable and explosive – from its facility in Wilton, Teeside, to Runcorn.

The national Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also objected, it said an  assessment indicated that the 'risk of harm' to people at the proposed development site was such that HSE’s advice was there were not 'sufficient reasons on safety grounds, for advising against the granting of planning permission in this case'.

It had 21 days to decide whether or not to refer the application to Secretary of State Michael Gove. That time has now elapsed, but the HSE has told the LDRS it has been granted an extension of another 21 days by Halton Borough Council to consider the case.

Project bosses said the scheme would deliver 145 jobs, and officers at the council had recommended the committee back it, stating that it was not considered that the safety advice of the HSE 'outweighed the proposal’s policy compliance and the benefits that would result'.

Despite the fact Michael Gove could still put the kibosh on the scheme, plans have now been lodged for a ‘totem’ at the site which would carry the McDonald's logo, as well as signage and a digital display board.  Another application has also been submitted for Esso signage on the petrol station forecourt.