MCDONALD'S is all set to open a new branch in Highbridge, with a planned opening date now confirmed by the fast food chain.

It was revealed in June 2023 that Somerset Council had granted permission for the restaurant and drive-thru to be built at Oak Tree Business Park, a 14.6-acre site on the A38 Bristol Road, located around half a mile from junction 22 of the M5.

Now, the company has revealed the branch will open later this year, and positions are already open for prospective employees.

In a job description for the position of Shift Leader, the company wrote: "The initial training will take place locally in preparation for the restaurant opening in September."

The new branch was also described as 'a multi million pound restaurant', which would employ 'up to 80+ employees'.

When the plans were first lodged, McDonald’s revealed the restaurant would create around 120 new jobs.

A spokesperson said: “McDonald’s is pleased to be part of these exciting plans in Highbridge.

“The scheme will deliver a range of local benefits, including a new McDonald’s restaurant creating around 120 jobs.”

Before the plans were approved on May 25, 2023, the former Burnham Without Parish Council recommended that planning permission be granted.

A spokesperson said: “Burnham Without Parish Council recommend that planning permission be granted for the above proposals.

“The land is allocated for business/employment uses and the proposals are unlikely to have any detrimental impact on the area, subject to the highway authority being satisfied with the access arrangements.”

Separate planning applications related to advertising signage and a freestanding totem pole for the restaurant were approved last year.

Drawings submitted to Sedgemoor District Council suggest a Greggs drive-thru could be built next to McDonald's as part of the scheme.

The proposed layout shows two buildings facing Bristol Road: One is labelled McDonalds NG100 unit, and the other is labelled Greggs. 

Other units at Oak Tree Business Park have been taken on by Aerofin Laboratories, Studio Essence, The Scotch Egg Company and Secret World Wildlife Rescue, a local animal rescue charity.