McDonald's set to take over old Pizza Hut in Blackburn

The iconic American fast food chain has applied for planning permission to extend the premises in Mayson Street prior to occupation.

The Pizza Hut branch, on the main access road to the Peel Centre and Vue Cinema, closed suddenly in July after almost 20 years in the town.

It would become the fifth McDonald's site in Blackburn - joining restaurants in King William Street, Livesey Branch Road, Burnley Road and at the M65 Extra services.

McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd has submitted a full planning application for alterations to allow it to take over the site opposite the Matalan store and the Ice Arena.

McDonald's is looking to open a fifth restaurant in Blackburn

A supporting statement to Blackburn with Darwen Council planners says: "The site was most recently occupied by Pizza Hut.

"The restaurant has ceased trading and McDonald’s is now seeking planning permission for minor external alterations, the installation of plant and equipment and other associated works in order to facilitate the conversion of the building into a new McDonald’s restaurant.

"The site forms part of the Peel Centre complex which comprises a mix of retail and leisure uses."

The application details planned changes for the site, which if successful would include: 

• A single-storey extension measuring 16.3 square metres
• The installation of plant and equipment to the roof of the building
• A new shopfront door and glazing
• Two doors on the northern elevation are to be removed and infilled
• The existing door on the eastern elevation is to be removed and replaced with a widened opening
• The removal of existing bin store and provision of new corral area connected to the existing building
• Two pedestrian crossings
• Three Sheffield stands (for bicycle parking)
• The removal of three car parking spaces
• Reconfiguration of the existing two disabled bays to provide larger-sized bays
• The provision of fencing around the eastern, southern and western perimeters of the site.

The plans add: "The existing building will continue to operate as a restaurant under the terms set by the previous planning permissions granted in relation to this site.

"The proposed small-scale extension will create additional internal floorspace to allow McDonald’s to trade from the unit.

"The extension will replace the existing paved area underneath the roof overhang.

"Overall, the proposals will bring the recently vacated unit back into active use and provide a new restaurant in a highly accessible location that fulfils a demand for McDonald’s in this area.

"It will also result in economic benefits that will directly and indirectly support the local economy, including new employment opportunities and the generation of business rates.

"The proposals represent a sustainable development that will facilitate the delivery of economic investment."