Police have raised concerns about a potential increase in “car meets” at the development of a new McDonald’s restaurant in Mousehold Lane.

Norfolk Constabulary warned that once the new site was completed it could become a meeting place for boy racers.

The fast-food giant aimed to ease fears by setting out its anti-social behaviour management plan.

Police said the increase in car meets is particularly associated with fast food outlets such as McDonald'sPolice said the increase in car meets is particularly associated with fast food outlets such as McDonald's (Image: Newsquest)

It said: "Within Norwich and other areas of Norfolk there's an increasing problem with car meets and associated anti-social behaviour that appear to be particularly associated with fast food outlets such as this.

"While partnership work is developing measures against this activity we're also keen to address the emerging issue and prevent opportunities at planning level."

It added that "to prevent the opportunity for offensive activity at the drive-in parking facility" the police have recommended that barriers or retractable bollards be considered for when the venue is not in use.

Police have recommended barriers, bollards or automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to combat the issuePolice have recommended barriers, bollards or automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to combat the issue (Image: Newsquest)

It also recommended automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and signage "indicating how the space is intended to be used" and low height planting to help limit "opportunities for people to hide".

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McDonald's won its planning battle with Norwich City Council last month to replace Richard Nash Cars in Mousehold Lane, Sprowston.

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The Planning Inspectorate overturned the December 2022 decision of the council's planning committee to deny permission for the Mousehold Lane development, which had attracted a wave of opposition.

Police are concerned about the increasing problem of car meets and associated anti-social behaviourPolice are concerned about the increasing problem of car meets and associated anti-social behaviour (Image: Newsquest)

Included in the application were plans for CCTV and lighting being implemented before the development of the site.

Concerns have already been raised by those living near to the new drive-through site, including worries about more traffic on an already busy road.

Mousehold Lane has a 40mph speed limit and a crossing with traffic lights near the junctions for Corbet Avenue and the M&S garage, with filter lanes in the middle of the road.

The Planning Inspectorate overturned the Norwich City Council's decision to refuse McDonald's application earlier this yearThe Planning Inspectorate overturned the Norwich City Council's decision to refuse McDonald's application earlier this year (Image: Newsquest)