BURGER giant McDonald's has pledged to attract other blue chip companies to the Ribble Valley after its plans for a new drive-through restaurant were approved.

Surveyors from the firm claimed the development -- which will create 65 full and part-time jobs -- will attract local, national and international businesses to the business park where it is to be sited.

Despite concerns from councillors that the restaurant, on the Ribble Valley Enterprise Park in Barrow, would lead to increased litter, more car journeys and be out of keeping in a rural area, planning permission was granted.

It was the second time the firm had submitted plans to the council.

At a meeting last month, plans for the restaurant were deferred pending a traffic study to see what effects it would have on the A59.

But McDonald's decided not to re-apply for permission to erect an eight-metre high totem pole with the famous Golden Arches -- said to be the best known symbol in the world -- after councillors flatly refused permission.

Under the revised plans, only two signs will be placed on the roof, with just a small roadside sign directing customers off the A59. The plans had also been amended to cover the walls in stone cladding and the roof will be tiled with blue slate, said to be more in keeping with the rural setting.

Coun Harry Backhouse said: "People who visit the area to see our castle, our famous wine shop, our pool, our museum, our countryside or walk in the area might also spend their money at McDonald's on the way out of the area, thus spending more money in our area."

Coun Joyce Holgate said: "I am worried about what effect it will have on businesses in places like Whalley.

"People will travel to McDonald's so it may put others out of business."

Michael Hosay, from McDonald's, told the meeting: "We will be creating 65 full and part-time jobs on a site where development has been slow.

"We believe our presence will help unlock that site, attracting local, national and international firms on to the business park which is good for this area.

"Our drive-through is a new facility for the people of Clitheroe."