Sunderland pub site to be turned into drive-through McDonald's

Controversial plans have been approved for a £1m drive-through McDonald's restaurant on the site of one of Sunderland's best-known pubs.

The Double Maxim, on Durham Road, in Farringdon, was named after Vaux's popular brew.

But, despite a fierce protest by regulars and fears the restaurant would increase traffic, Hartlepool-based pub operator Pubmaster has successfully sold the 65-year-old pub.

Campaigners have lost their battle to stop the restaurant being built after planning permission was granted by council officers without being put to councillors.

Local resident John Ward, who led the protest, said: "We're very angry about this, because we were told we would be informed at every stage.

"Yet it's now a month since this was approved and we only found out by accident. We have realised we were fighting a losing battle, but we feel we've been treated terribly."

Sunderland South MP Chris Mullin also spoke out against the restaurant.

McDonald's said it was investing £1m in the site, with work due to start at the end of this year.