A divisive bid to open a district’s fifth McDonald’s has taken a step forward after signage plans were given the green light.

The fast food chain unveiled proposals to build the new drive-thru branch on wasteland on Manston Road in Ramsgate earlier this year.

The store would be the sixth McDonald’s within a five-mile radius in Thanet and another also located in Sandwich.

Thanet District Council (TDC) has only approved details of the proposed store signs, which it saw as having little impact on visuals in the area.

The scheme, neighbouring a Tesco superstore, will provide a 73-cover restaurant just a few miles from branches in Margate, Minster, Broadstairs - which has two - and Sandwich in the neighbouring district of Dover.

The move will also create more than 120 new jobs at the drive-thru location, according to the business.

Previously, a public consultation on the restaurant revealed that 60% of people in the area opposed the plans.

Many raised fears over the impact on public health, arguing the area does not “need any more unhealthy junk food outlets”.

Official figures show 28.8% of adults in Thanet are obese, with this number rising to 69.7% when including those ruled to be overweight - among the highest in the south east.

Residents fear opening more fast food outlets will see those numbers rise further.

One said: “There are far too many McDonald's in Thanet already! Not counting the one at Sandwich.

“How does this support local food choices? The choices are all junk food! Highly calorific, and we already have a large obese population! Give us something healthy!”

Previously used as a vehicle depot, the site has been empty for several years and is part of a large plot allocated for 120 homes by the district council.

But McDonald’s says the development land in question is not needed to hit the housing allocation and believes it is an “ideal location for a new restaurant to serve and support residents”.

The firm also recently launched proposals for new sites in Dover, Swanley, Folkestone’s Stop 24 Services on the M20 and between Faversham and Canterbury.

It is currently unknown when the fast-food giant will submit a full application for the McDonald’s.

The company has been contacted for comment.