RESIDENTS of South Somerset have only a few more weeks to wait before they can grab a Big Mac or McFlurry at the county’s newest McDonald’s outlet.

McDonald’s submitted plans in November 2021 to build a new outlet on a vacant plot within the Southfields Enterprise Park on the western edge of Ilminster, just off the A303.

South Somerset District Council approved the plans in March 2022, with construction work beginning in June 2023 after additional permissions for the design of the car park and exterior signage were approved in March.

McDonald’s has now confirmed that the new restaurant and drive-thru will officially open on Thursday, September 20 at 11am.

The news was confirmed on the takeaway giant’s official Facebook page on Sunday (August 27), with the post stating: “Your new McDonald’s is coming soon!

“Opening on 20th September at 11am. McDonald’s Restaurant, Ilminster, TA19 9FF.”

The site is currently in the latter stages of construction, with the final modular buildings being moved into position and work ongoing on both the landscaping near the edge of the site and the car parking spaces.

The new outlet will be in direct competition with the Burger King restaurant and drive-thru, located at the Horton Cross services on the A358 leading to Chard.

As part of the ongoing construction, South West Motorhomes has expanded onto the vacant plot of land to the south of Costa Coffee (Plot 2) instead of the land to the west (Plot 4) as originally intended.

Plot 2 was originally earmarked for a car repair and servicing business, but the company that had initially expressed interest changed its mind as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

While most customers will drive to the new restaurant, using Jordans Road off the A303, it does benefit from a direct footpath link to the town and the neighbouring villages via the Stop Line Way active travel route.

The new restaurant is expected to create up to 65 permanent jobs, with salaries starting at £11 per hour.