PLANNING permission is being sought to give a fast food chain off the A1 at Newton Aycliffe a modern revamp.

McDonald's, at Newton Park Services, Junction 59, has applied to refurbish the restaurant and add an extension to accommodate dining facilities and a new drive through lane.

The fast food giant says the design is part of a move to "re-invent the older look" of McDonald's restaurants and bring them up-to-date with what it calls its new Folded Roof concept.

Extensions will make way for more seating at the front of the building, a small manager’s office at the back and an additional drive through booth, which will provide a second collection point.

The applicant stated: "The building will have all signage replaced to reveal a new contemporary feel.

"The aesthetics of the buildings facades will be significantly improved, with a new cantilevered overhang to be constructed."

The drive through lane will be widened to allow cars to overtake delayed vehicles while the existing pedestrian crossing will be relocated, with new tactile paving, dropped kerbs and fencing installed either side.

"The building will change in context with the rest of the building and adopt a fresher more contemporary façade in keeping with the site and its surround," said the applicant.

No buildings will be added to the site and the layout will remain the same.

The route that allows access to the site will be unchanged.