FAST food chain McDonald’s has confirmed a planned restaurant in Durham will open in May.

Big Mac fans have been waiting for the new outlet, at St Andrews Park, in Dragon Lane, Gilesgate, sinice 2018, when plans were first unveiled.

And they could soon be indulging in the firm’s offerings any time of the day or night, after an application was submitted to Durham County Council seeking late night opening powers.

A spokesperson for McDonald’s said: “We are delighted to be opening this new restaurant and we’re so looking forward to getting to know more of the local community.

“We’d like to thank our hardworking crew and our new customers in advance for their support and patience as we continually adapt to the safest ways of working during the pandemic.”

An application has been lodged with the county council seeking a ‘late night refreshment’ licence, which would allow it to serve food from 11pm to 5am, on top of normal opening hours.

As well as a drive-thru, the new restaurant will also offer delivery services, but only takeaway will be on offer for customers, with no option to sit in, initially.

Bosses have also promised a raft of social distancing measures, including social distancing in kitchens and service areas, Perspex screens, PPE for employees and and floor markings.

Comments on the licensing application can be made by email on licensing@durham.gov.uk until Thursday, April 22.