Around 120 new jobs would be created if a planned McDonald’s goes ahead, the firm has claimed. 

McDonald's is looking into building a branch on land just south of Fakenham's Lidl supermarket, off Holt Road.

Alistair Clow, a government affairs consultant to the restaurant firm, said in an email to a member of the public that the plan was still in its "early stage".

Mr Clow said: "We believe that there is demand for a new McDonald’s in the town, and that a new restaurant would bring significant investment along with around 120 new jobs to the local area.

READ MORE: 'Not something I'd use' - Plan for McDonald's behind Lidl splits opinion

"Wherever possible we try to employ people in the restaurant that live locally and best represent the communities in which we operate."

North Norfolk News: McDonald's is looking at the land to the rear of Lidl as the potential site for its developmentMcDonald's is looking at the land to the rear of Lidl as the potential site for its development (Image: Aaron McMillan)

READ MORE: New McDonald's could be built behind Lidl supermarket

The idea of a McDonald's has already split opinions in Fakenham.

While many people have said they would love to see a local branch of the famous Golden Arches, others, including mayor Angela Glynn, have questioned whether it was the right thing for the town. 

Mr Clow said if McDonald's went ahead with the scheme, it would send North Norfolk District Council a planning application in the New Year, which would give locals a chance to comment. 

North Norfolk News: McDonald's submitted a pre-application to better understand the feasibility of the site to North Norfolk District CouncilMcDonald's submitted a pre-application to better understand the feasibility of the site to North Norfolk District Council (Image: Simon Parkin)

He said that if the restaurant was built, it would likely be managed by a local franchisee, and as well as serving burgers, it would also serve the town. 

Mr Clow said: "Our franchisees are deeply routed in the communities they operate in and are best placed to decide how our restaurants can support the local community.

“We take our responsibility to be good neighbours in the communities we operate in seriously and our restaurants and franchisees do a lot of work with local community groups.

"This includes, but is not limited to litter patrols, football sponsorship, providing free football sessions and supporting groups through our partnerships with Children in Need and FareShare.”