PLANS have been revealed for a new McDonald’s to open in Basildon... making it the seventh in the borough and sparking concerns over the impact on the health of residents.

A letter has been sent to residents by the fast-food giant about emerging proposals for a new drive-thru restaurant near Homebase, in London Road, Basildon.

A planning application is expected to be submitted in coming weeks as comes just a month after plans were submitted for a new McDonald’s in Northlands Pavement.

The Northlands Pavement site is just a four-minute walk from the chains restaurant at Pitsea Retail Park and the new London Road site will be a third within a three-mile radius.

Kerry Smith, Independent councillor responsible for Nethermayne ward, said: “The council owns the site, and I discovered the plans on Friday. It was already arranged under the last administration.

“I am dead against these plans. Residents don’t want the litter, the late night noise, or the anti-social behaviour.

“The council bought it as part of Vange Heights development, for houses, not to put a McDonald’s there.

“I have been made aware of the residents concerns and health concerns too. It is completely unnecessary.”

The firm believes it would provide residents with a “greater choice of food and drink” and bring a “range of economic benefits to Basildon.”

If approved, the new proposals would result in seven McDonald’s in Basildon alone.

The latest NHS figures show childhood obesity rates in Essex have worsened since the coronavirus pandemic, with 3,370 of 16,665 Year 6 pupils classed as obese or severely obese in 2022-23.

Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council, said: “We totally oppose this planning application.

“This borough needs houses, not burgers.”

A spokesman for McDonald’s said: “We are excited about the opportunity to open a new restaurant in Basildon which will bring further investment and jobs to the local area.

“We will continue to work with local stakeholders and the community to address any concerns.”