A councillor is backing a fast food giant to win its appeal for permission to build a new restaurant in the face of vast opposition - and says many more agree.
McDonald's submitted a planning application in January 2022, for what would be its 11th restaurant in the city, to replace Sprowston company Richard Nash Cars next to the M&S petrol station in Mousehold Lane.
The move has been criticised by locals and councillors since being announced, but there are people who are hotly anticipating the thought of more Big Macs.
READ MORE: See inside two-bed flat with great views of Norwich Cathedral
Glenn Tingle, vice-chairman of Old Catton Parish Council, has lived in Mousehold Lane for 13 years and believes the drive-through restaurant bringing in more jobs and footfall to the area is only a good thing.
Mr Tingle said: "I'm about 50 yards away from the proposed McDonald's and in my opinion, it's a good development for the area.
"I've had a chat with all my neighbours in the area and they're in support of it.
"There have been issues raised about traffic and pollution, but how can it raise traffic concerns when there's a car lot and a 24-hour garage there already?
"It's all gone through with highways and it's not a particularly dangerous stretch of road.
"I'm not really one for a nanny state so you've got to give people a choice and then it's up to them what they do."
McDonald's and the city council have until September 19 to state their cases but a decision date for the appeal is yet to be set.
Mr Tingle claimed a place on Old Catton Parish Council in an uncontested election in 2019 having previously run for election as an MP with Ukip.
He was suspended by the Conservatives in October 2021 for "disgusting" social media posts before winning a seat on Sprowston Town Council, although is no longer on the town council.
He added: "A lot of people against it don't seem to be living anywhere near to where it's being built.
READ MORE: Son of the Bear nominated for Modern Barbers award
"I'm not sure why they're protesting something where they don't even live.
"There will be job opportunities both while it's being built and when it opens and provides a level of convenience for people in Sprowston and Mousehold.
"I think McDonald's will win its appeal - they wouldn't have invested in the land if they didn't think they'd end up building on it."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here