The clock is ticking for locals to give their feedback ahead of an appeal hearing about the development of a new McDonald's.

In January 2022 the fast food giant submitted plans to replace Sprowston company Richard Nash Cars, next to the M&S petrol station in Mousehold Lane.

Those plans were refused by Norwich City Council's planning committee in September last year but McDonald's has now appealed to the government's Planning Inspectorate.

Norwich Evening News: Plans were initially submitted for the Sprowston McDonald's in January 2022Plans were initially submitted for the Sprowston McDonald's in January 2022 (Image: Norwich City Council)

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The main campaign against the proposed drive-through development, Sprowston's Not Lovin' It, set up a petition to oppose the restaurant - collecting almost 250 signatures.

Even with McDonald's appealing, the group is still looking for signatures from those against the project, with a spokesman saying: "We're extremely disappointed to see that McDonald's have appealed Norwich City Council's decision to refuse planning permission in Mousehold Lane.

"However we will continue to highlight the many concerns of the community with the Planning Inspectorate.

Norwich Evening News: The 'Sprowston's Not Lovin' It' petition says child obesity, litter and pollution are some of the key reasons for stopping the McDonald's restaurantThe 'Sprowston's Not Lovin' It' petition says child obesity, litter and pollution are some of the key reasons for stopping the McDonald's restaurant (Image: Norwich City Council)

"The collection of names on our petition is ongoing and has recently seen more participants following the publication of the appeal.

"We hope the Planning Inspectorate agrees with Norwich City Council that this development should not be permitted."

Public comments on the appeal close on September 5. McDonald's and the city council have until September 19 to state their case but a decision date is yet to be set.

The group have listed child obesity, litter and pollution as some reasons why the planning appeal should be refused - with the site being next to Mousehold Heath.

Norwich Evening News: Anyone wanting to sign the petition have until September 5Anyone wanting to sign the petition have until September 5 (Image: Norwich City Council)

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The group added: "It would be extremely close to several schools and hundreds of students, the target audience with this development - which could have an impact on childhood obesity.

"Litter is also a big problem in Norwich and this development will increase packaging dispersed around areas far exceeding the 100m area McDonald's have proposed to regularly litter pick.

"Pollution in the forms of noise, smell and car exhausts will negatively impact the quality of life for the residents in the immediate vicinity."