Drone shot captures McDonald's construction at Downham Market

Jamie Crofts, of Downham, captured the long awaited McDonald's construction at the Bexwell site in Downham.

The plans for the town's expansion, will see a McDonald's and possibly a Lidl at the site - which neighbours Hillcrest primary school.

Plans for a new Lidl store on the edge of Downham look set to proceed, if a suitable package of town centre mitigation measures can be agreed.

West Norfolk councillors rejected officials' advice last week to block the proposed development on land off Bexwell Road.

Instead, the authority's planning committee voted unanimously for a resolution indicating it was "minded" to approve the scheme, subject to the outcome of negotiations between officers and the discount retailer.

Many are pleased that Downham will have it's own budget burger franchise but there have been concerns over the cutting down of trees in the area.

Thomas Eggett wrote to the Lynn News saying: "I'm sure the majority of residents welcome the news Lidl's application will be approved subject to an increased cash injection into the town for improved amenities and facilities.

"I was however prior to this decision very concerned that West Norfolk council officials had advised against granting permission for the application. There are just a few aged pathetic trees in the immediate area, the main trees opposite already cut down for Starbucks and McDonalds site.

"According to the report the Lidl supermarket would harm the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside but McDonald's and Starbucks wouldn't?"