The start date for work on a new McDonald’s – which sparked huge opposition – has been revealed.
Construction on the project, set for land in Dover, is due to start this summer, with bosses adding it should then be open by the end of the year.
Land where the new McDonald’s will be built in Dover, close to the St James Retail Park
The fast-food giant was finally given the green light for the drive-thru on the former Dover Leisure Centre site at the corner of Woolcomber Street and Townwall Street in 2025.
But the proposal has been anything but straightforward – facing fierce opposition throughout the planning process and requiring approval from Dover District Council (DDC) twice.
In total, 320 objections and 184 comments in support were lodged on DDC’s planning portal.
Campaigners argued the scheme – at the edge of the Dover Castle Conservation Area and neighbouring the Grade II-Listed St James’ Church – would cause serious harm to the nearby heritage assets.
How the new McDonald’s in Dover will look. Picture: Scurr Architects
When it was first approved in December 2024, campaign group Friends of Castle Conservation Area said it would seek a judicial review.
DDC later admitted it had failed in its duties regarding two sections of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
As a result, the scheme returned to the planning committee in June 2025 and it was ultimately approved for a second time.
However, the saga did not end there.
Work is due to start soon on the new McDonald’s, and will then be open by the end of the year
Earlier this year, campaigners looked to continue the fight to stop the new restaurant from being built, unveiling a rival vision for the land, currently used as a car park.
Conservationists and architect Charles Holland put forward detailed proposals for a three-storey apartment block of social housing alongside studios and green space.
They said the new McDonald’s would “scar the surrounding historic assets irreversibly for generations to come” – whereas the new homes would give residents “what they need and want”.
Mr Holland’s intention was to garner interest from a developer or discuss placing the land in a trust with DDC to safeguard its future.
But now, work on the new McDonald’s is due to begin shortly.
A streetview of the alternative vision for the former Dover Leisure Centre site. Picture: Charles Holland Architects
A spokesperson said: “We are excited about the opportunity to open a restaurant in Dover later this year, with construction set to begin in the summer.
“The restaurant will bring significant investment to the local area and deliver up to 120 full and part-time jobs.”
It will have 55 parking spaces, including 10 for electric car charging.
Dover has been without a McDonald’s since the Biggin Street branch closed in 2017. The nearest one is at Whitfield.
The new site will also neighbour the St James Retail and Leisure Park, which already features Burger King, German Doner Kebab, Nando’s, Taco Bell and Papa Johns.
Last year, the 51-space Woolcomber Street car park was shut off, having been deemed surplus to requirements ahead of the fast food giant’s return to the town.