Taunton Gets Fourth McDonald's Restaurant as Planning Permission is Secured

McDonald's has secured planning permission to open its fourth restaurant in Taunton, Somerset. The approval comes after the company purchased the former O'Bridge Brewers Fayre site at Massingham Park for £1.44 million in June 2025.

The redevelopment of the site will see changes to the building's elevations, replacement HVAC systems, and associated works. Several conditions have been attached to the approval, including measures to control noise and odour from the restaurant.

One condition requires that noise levels from machinery and equipment do not exceed background noise levels at nearby residential properties. Another states that plant equipment must not operate between 11pm and 5:30am, with some exceptions.

The approval follows concerns raised by residents and Taunton Town Council regarding traffic management, parking, and the impact on nearby homes. The council has required that all odour-control measures outlined in a submitted assessment are implemented to prevent cooking smells causing a nuisance to nearby residents.