THERE has been mixed reaction to the news that Bray's historic Town Hall will be the location for the first McDonalds restaurant and takeaway in Co Wicklow.
Permission for the proposal was granted yesterday by An Bord Pleanala in spite of submissions that the fast food facility would be completely out of character with the civic building, with its distinctive Tudor style, a familiar landmark at the top of Main Street.
In spite of opposition, Bray Urban District Council had approved the plan. But residents appealed to the planning board.
Yesterday's planning permission does include some restrictions:
. McDonalds will not be allowed to operate between the hours of 1 a.m. and 7 a.m.
. Signs, logos or other advertising material may not be fixed to the external facade of the building.
. There will be a five year assessment period for the takeaway element of the premises.
There were dissenting voices on Bray UDC when it approved the plan. The chairman, Mr Noel Keyes, said he felt it was totally against the character of the historic building.
A councillor, Mr Tim Collins said last night that he was "appalled" at the decision to locate a McDonalds in the town's main civic building. He foresaw major traffic congestion as a result.
But another councillor, Mr Joe Behan, said he was delighted with the Bord Pleanala decision.