Costa Coffee has pulled out of plans for a new drive-through restaurant with McDonald's in Newmarket amid the economic challenges of the coronavirus crisis.

A two-storey McDonald's along with a single-storey Costa drive-thru was approved by West Suffolk Council's planning committee in June 2020.

But since then, the project in Willie Snaith Road has been reviewed and now only a single storey McDonald's will be built.

A spokesperson for McDonald's said: “We can confirm that we have submitted an application for a new single storey McDonald’s restaurant in Newmarket.

"This will replace the original approved application made by a developer on the same site.

"The new scheme layout will allowed us to introduce a more contemporary building design with enhanced landscaping, improved site circulation and parking layout.

"We look forward to progressing with this application and believe a new McDonald’s restaurant would bring significant investment to the local community, as well as create at least 65 new jobs.”

The new development will include a freestanding McDonald's restaurant with a Drive-thru, car parking and an external play area.

The customer seating area in the proposed McDonald's will be able to cater for 136 people, an application submitted by CI Industries Ltd said.

It added: “The design and layout of the proposal is appropriate for the area. Natural and neutral colours and materials will be used on the building throughout the scheme to ensure the site integrates easily with the surroundings.

East Anglian Daily Times: The site off Willie Snaith Road in Newmarket, eyed for Costa and McDonald's drive-thru units. Picture: GOOGLE MAPSThe site off Willie Snaith Road in Newmarket, eyed for Costa and McDonald's drive-thru units. Picture: GOOGLE MAPS (Image: Google Maps)

“Sufficient parking has been provided at the restaurant with accessible parking located as close to the restaurant as possible.

“The site represents an appropriate location for a drive-thru restaurant, which will be well placed to offer refreshments to passing customers and those in the surrounding area.”