WORK on what will controversially become Colchester’s fifth McDonald’s appears to be finally getting underway at a shopping complex.

Last year Colchester Council gave developers from Schroder UK Real Estate Fund the go-ahead to open the latest fast-food restaurant and drive-thru in the city.

The plans, which will see the McDonald’s open at the Turner Rise Retail Park, in Petrolea Close, were approved despite objections from more than 230 residents.

Many raised concerns about the increase in pollution and additional traffic it would cause, while others feared it would become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.

Residents also said a fifth McDonalds - the others being in Colchester High Street, Cowdray Avenue, on the A12 and at Tollgate, would negatively impact public health.

Now, nearly a year on from the blueprints being given the greenlight by authority officials, building work on the development seems to be starting.

The Gazette understands the new eatery will be placed between Go Outdoors and Pizza Hut, joining the likes of Dunelm, Home Bargains and Asda.