A NEW fast food restaurant - which had been opposed by some local residents and parents - is set to open in York next week.

The two-storey McDonald's in Poppleton will open for business for the first time on Wednesday, December 16, with the creation of more than 80 new jobs.

John Atherton runs the four existing McDonald's franchises in York, and will take ownership of the new restaurant this week.

He said: "We’re very excited that the new restaurant will finally open after all the hard work and build up. We’re committed to offering our customers’ more choice and fast service."

The changes to the site, which is close to the Poppleton Bar Park & Ride site, were put forward by the Skelwith Group and saw the demolition of the Wills and Ellis garage in Boroughbridge Road.

The proposal had seen group of local residents and parents object to the plans in 2013, with more than two dozen letters of objection sent to City of York Council before the plans were agreed.

Objectors included Upper Poppleton Parish Council, and claimed the scheme would lead to trouble from late-night drinkers, cause noise and litter and be out of character with the area. Residents also complained about increased congestion in the area.

Mr Atherton said some of the tables at the new site are fitted with tablet computers for visitors to use, and digital menu boards and order points will give customers the chance to browse the menu and find out the nutritional information of each meal before they buy it.

"Technology has a huge role to play in all walks of life, including our customers’ eating out experience, so the new tech we’ve introduced recognises the way people live their lives today," he said.

Mr Atherton said he was also "continuing to invest in my people", by offering employees the chance to take training programmes and gain nationally-recognised qualifications in Maths and English, Level Two apprenticeships, or a Foundation Degree in managing business operations.