27-07-2025
Busy Sprowston road to close for fast food restaurant works
Motorists will be sent on a 3.8mile (6km) diversion while a busy road is closed for two weeks during work on a new fast food restaurant. Work is under way on the drive-through McDonald's on Mousehold Lane in Sprowston after the Planning Inspectorate overturned Norwich City Council's refusal for the eatery. There are already 10 McDonald's restaurants in Norwich with the new one due to open later this year. Norfolk County Council said Mousehold Lane, from its junction with Plaford Road to its junction with Corbet Avenue, would be closed for utility works between 08:00 BST and 18:00 from Monday though to 10 August.
During the upcoming closure, traffic will be sent on a diversion along Sprowston Road, Magdalen Road, Bull Close Road, Charlton Road, Barrack Street and Gurney new restaurant is being built on a site previously occupied by Richard Nash Cars, forecourt, with the dealership moving to Vulcan Road South. The BBC contacted McDonald's and Norfolk County Council for an estimated completion date however, they were unable to provide this.
The council warned the restrictions could remain in place on the road until 21 September if the closure is required for longer due to the construction work. Motorists are being advised to follow alternative routes. It said anyone who contravenes the closure would be guilty of an offence and could receive a fine of up to £1,000, the council warned.
The McDonalds will be near to two high schools and sits alongside an M&S garage and near to a KFC and Costa takeaway on a nearby retail park. Previously, people opposed the development with concerns it was too close to nature reserve, Mousehold Heath. At the time, McDonald's told the BBC there would be daily litter picks in the area along with discussions with locals to identify any litter "hotspots".
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