BURGER giant McDonalds has been asked to tone down the design for its new restaurant and drive-through take-away in Colne which has been described as brash, themed and overly dominant.

The building to be constructed on the North Valley business park already has planning permission but the international fast food company has asked for plans to be revised to include a tower feature, high parapet walls and pillars.

The company has been asked by planning officers to lower the tower, remove the red and white stripes on the cupola at the top of the tower and to reduce the height of the planned walls.

The company's response will be reported to the Colne and district committee on Thursday, January 11.

The highways authority has also asked for alterations to the car parking layout saying it could lead to access problems at busy periods.

Local people have complained that traffic has been overwhelming since Matalan opened its shop on the same site in the run-up to Christmas and that further development will cause parking mayhem for residents and businesses.

Two objections have been received to McDonalds revised plans saying that two take-aways on the business park --Burger King also have permission -- are excessive and expressing concerns about the effects of lighting, signage, noise, litter, car parking and increased traffic.

Officers will tell the committee that the only relevant issues are design and lay-out of the proposed building as planning permission had already been granted for a building for that use.

Amended plans had been discussed with the applicant and their response would be reported to the meeting.

Planning officers are recommending approval subject to conditions being agreed.