Plans for a McDonald’s in Larne have run into difficulties thanks to a lack of water and sewage infrastructure.
NI Water has stated that although “several options have been explored, none have proved viable” at the proposed ramp lorry carpark site at Circular Road.
A tender for a drive-through McDonald’s restaurant was successful in the council’s development brief bidding process for the 1.27 acre site which was on the market for £350,000.
The anticipated return of the fast food giant McDonald’s to Larne has been heralded by the council as a “major economic and employment boost for the borough with the prospect of a global giant investing locally”.
However, planning permission would have to be approved before the restaurant could set up shop on the vacant site.
Buyers have been asked to provide details of how their proposed development meets the statutory and wider planning considerations of the site.
A spokesperson for NI Water said: “It is currently an undeveloped site as there are no pre-existing connections to either NI Water’s water or sewer network.
“The waste water system around Larne is constrained and although several options have been explored, none have proved viable for this site.
“NI Water is working proactively with the council and developers to accommodate development in Larne where possible.
“We will continue to work with the council to facilitate development opportunities wherever possible, acknowledging the very constrained conditions within the Larne area.”
The matter was discussed behind closed doors after being removed from the public agenda at this month’s meeting of the borough council.
The council has said previously that the future development of the former Ramp Lorry Carpark is subject to strict planning procedures.
The facility was transferred from the Department for Regional Development in 2015.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s said: “We have nothing to say currently on possible plans in Larne.”
