McDonald's and Costa Coffee look set to move in to Sutton shopping centre
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The scheme is earmarked for the unit at The Broad Centre on Station Road that is currently occupied by Poundland, close to the large Matalan store.
Planning permission was granted by Ashfield District Council last year for the unit to be split into two, with “mixed restaurant/hot food takeaway use”.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAt the time, it was unclear which brands would operate the two businesses. Instead, the planning application, submitted by the BBC Pension Trust, which owns The Broad Centre, said the unit would be “marketed to a wide range of restaurant operators”.


But now it has become clear that chain giants McDonald’s and Costa Coffee could be moving in, possibly within the coming months.
The two companies revealed their hands in fresh planning applications to install fascia signs, both illuminated and non-illuminated, at the unit.
The one submitted by McDonald’s has already gained consent, meaning that its famous golden arch could soon be adorning the building.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAnd the one submitted by Costa Coffee has been lodged with the council’s planning officers, who have set a deadline date of Thursday, March 27 for a decision or recommendation.


McDonald’s won approval despite a last-ditch attempt by nearby residents to stop the restaurant going ahead for fear it could attract noise, anti-social behaviour and extra traffic.
Nineteen residents sent protest letters or emails to the council, claiming they were unaware of the proposal, even though it had been announced and publicised as far back as last April.
One resident, Amy Rowe, told the Chad: “The lack of transparency and consultation around these plans is deeply concerning.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"Many local residents, including the head teacher of Croft Primary School, which is situated directly opposite the site, were not made aware of the plans, despite the significant implications they could have on the community.


"Having a fast-food restaurant near two schools may encourage unhealthy eating habits among children and teenagers.
"The area already experiences significant congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times. Increased traffic from a McDonald’s could make the roads even more dangerous.
"Fast-food outlets often lead to increased litter in the surrounding area, which could affect the local environment.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"And noise, light pollution and the potential for anti-social behaviour could disrupt nearby residents and businesses.”
However, only three objections were received by the council when the plan was first unveiled ten months ago. It was subsequently approved at the end of May 2024.
At the time, the BBC Pension Trust’s agents, the London-based consultancy, Burnett Planning, said: “The proposal will facilitate the continued use of an active building, which will positively contribute to the vitality and viability of Sutton town centre.
"It will provide a place for people to meet and interact, and also provide local job opportunities to support economic growth.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBurnett also revealed that the unit’s opening hours could be from 5 am to 3 am the next day on Thursdays to Saturdays, and from 5 am to 12 midnight on Sundays to Wednesdays. It would operate a courier home-delivery service seven days a week from 6 am to 12 midnight.
The scheme means Poundland, which was only renting the unit on a short-term basis, will close.