BURGER giant McDonald's has been given the go-ahead to bring its famous illuminated 'M' logo to Tavistock — despite opposition from West Devon planners.

The distinctive pole sign will advertise the town's new 'drive-thru' restaurant on Plymouth Road.

On Tuesday West Devon Borough officials failed to persuade councillors to refuse permission for the sign and other illuminated notices.

The decision means the way is now clear for developers Trathen Properties to start work on the McDonald's project, which will bring between 30 and 50 jobs to the town.

Planning officers claimed the illuminated signs would be intrusive and contrary to policy. They said existing signs in the area had been erected prior to the adoption of the present local plan.

But planning officer Jane Green admitted McDonald's were willing to be flexible about certain aspects of their application.

'The applicants have indicated they are willing to reduce the pole size by two metres,' said Ms Green who recommended further negotiation with the burger chain. 'I didn't feel it was an acceptable compromise.'

Harry Pearson, vice-chairman of the committee, suggested officers should go back to McDonalds and negotiate smaller signs

'If I lived opposite I wouldn't want to look at all those signs,' he said.

But Councillor Alison Clish-Green said she felt the precedent had already been set for signing on the approach to the town.

She said: 'I think we lost that battle several years ago. Whatever anyone thinks, people are going to use it and we need to provide safe access, therefore it needs illumination of some sort.'

Her concerns over safety were echoed by West Devon mayor Dennis Bater.

'I don't think anything causes more accidents than a motorist who can't see where he wants to go,' he said.

Councillor Jo Hawkins said she thought the Plymouth Road entrance to Tavistock looked like Las Vegas already.

'I don't honestly think an illuminated sign will make it any worse,' she said.

And Councillor Michael Pithouse said McDonalds would be a big boost for the town.

'They'll employ people, you can have a kids' party there. Kids know what they're going to get and how much they'll pay. People deserve to live in the modern world — we've got to move into the 21st century,' he said.

The applications were granted on condition the pole size is reduced and illumination restricted to opening hours which will be from 7am to 11pm for an initial six-month period.

After the meeting, developer David Trathen said he was pleased with the outcome.

'I think it's a very sensible decision,' he said.

'Signage is very important to McDonalds — it has to be illuminated for safety reasons as you drive towards it.'

Mr Trathen confirmed there was now nothing to stop the development going ahead.

'I hope work will start very shortly,' he said.

Paul Proffitt, McDonald's regional property manager, said the decision was 'very good news', although no opening date had been announced.

'We are in the hands of the developer,' he said. 'We are hoping it will be as soon as possible — clearly before the summer would be ideal.'

A combination of up to 50 full and part-time jobs would be created when the restaurant opened he said.

Permission to build a drive-thru McDonalds Restaurant on the Plymouth Road site next to Waterways Garage was granted in July last year despite considerable public opposition to the plans and several petitions of protest sent to the council.

The development will include a 21-space car park and landscaping of the site.