McDonald's Pitsea work underway in Northlands Pavement

Workers have moved in at the fast food giant’s newest location on Northlands Pavement after plans were approved by Basildon Council for McDonald’s signs to go up at the site of the former R and R Carpets store, which closed in March this year.

It would be just a four-minute walk from the chain’s restaurant in Pitsea Retail park, located on High Road.

Pat Reid, Pitsea North Labour councillor, said: “It has been boarded up for a while and I do think that any employment for Pitsea is a good thing, it is a positive thing. 

“Something does need to go in there and any employment for local people is a good thing, but I would have preferred to see something else.

“Any employment in the area is a good step, and for the space it does have to be a business equipped to keep the large space running.” 

Pitsea South East Labour councillor Ben Westwick expressed concerns another location, especially one situated what he describes as just a "stone's throw away", will have a negative impact on the health of residents. 

Construction - Work could be heard from behind the coverings (Image: Michael Robinson)

He said: “I feel that residents have not had a say. I am still very much against the idea of having yet another McDonald’s in the area, especially being a stone’s throw away from numerous others.

“It will affect the younger generation in regard to fast food and obesity levels as they don’t have enough choice when it comes to healthy options.

“For Pitsea, I think it’s terrible. There’s not enough vendors out there that offer a healthy lifestyle.

“Obesity is a killer, and I am massively against there being another McDonald’s in the area for that reason.” 

Stone's throw - The new location will be situated just a four-minute walk from another McDonald's (Image: Michael Robinson)

It is understood the new restaurant will have no seats and be purely for collections and delivery drivers.

Plans submitted - McDonald's have submitted plans for the site (Image: Michael Robinson)

Workers could be heard from behind the coverings at the former carpet store, while a construction vehicle could also be seen on the site.

The McDonald’s restaurant at Pitsea Retail Park is closed until November 15 while an extensive refurbishment is underway at the site.

There are five other McDonald’s currently in operation across the Basildon borough, with plans also lodged by the fast food chain for a new restaurant at the Homebase car park in Vange.