McDonald’s has set out why it wants to bring a branch to Rickmansworth as it appealed for help in getting plans green-lit.

The fast food chain asked residents to register their support on its website to persuade Three Rivers District Council to approve its plans for the vacant former M&Co unit in High Street.

It argued the new McDonald's would provide between 100 and 200 jobs and generate up to £60,000 in business rates per year, which would “help fund local services”.

How the new McDonald's branch in High Street would look.How the new McDonald's branch in High Street would look. (Image: McDonald's/Three Rivers District Council) Staff would carry out at least three litter picking trips for a 150-metre radius around the site a day, and the branch would be “sensitively designed” with classical music playing to discourage antisocial behaviour.

It would also have a dining area with space for 60 people to the front of the unit, with a kitchen and backrooms to the rear of the building and on the first-floor.

The application is pending consideration by the district council and has received 41 responses from Three Rivers residents so far, with 22 in favour and 17 objections.

Some argued that the new restaurant would be a “valuable addition” as it would attract people to the area, encourage more shops to move in and give young people a place to meet friends.

One Chorleywood local warned that leaving the unit empty could damage the high street, adding: “The development of the site to a restaurant and takeaway will create footfall and jobs which will bring prosperity and growth, as well as contributing to the delivery of a strong and vibrant community.” 

But others raised concerns that it could take trade away from existing local businesses and affect the look of the high street. Some also said they would prefer a healthier option to move in. 

“The high street is losing more and more of its character and becoming more unpleasant,” one Rickmansworth contributor wrote online. “I do not think that our small and charming High Street is the right place for this establishment and our children especially deserve better than this.”

If approved, the new McDonald's would replace the M&Co clothes shop, which shut on April 21 last year when the fashion chain entered administration. The unit has sat vacant since.

The plans can be viewed on Three Rivers' website with reference 24/0829/FUL.