Residents launch campaign against plans for new Southampton McDonald's near Northam Bridge

McDonald's have submitted a planning application to open a new drive-through restaurant in the former Field and Trek building on Hawkeswood Road, at the junction with Bitterne Road West, near Northam Bridge.

This comes after the fast food chain aimed at opening a premises at a former council office site in Woolston last year.

The firm ditched the proposals in October after the planning committee rejected their plans.

McDonald's then confirmed that they had found a "mysterious" new location for the restaurant.

Now, a group of residents are aiming to stop these new plans go ahead.

Leading the charge is Bitterne CE Primary School headteacher, Andy Peterson, who is a resident of the road.

He said: "The schools are putting in a huge effort to the Healthy High Five initiative.

"This is having such a positive impact on the health of our children, and this application will be about a five minute walk from Bitterne Manor Primary School, and even closer to the Bitterne Manor children's playground in Quayside Road.

"This will further increase pollution from cars in Bitterne Manor from the high number of cars expected to use the drive-thru each day, and the fact that in a drive-thru queue engines idle and pollute."

Debra Clothier, a resident who has invited her neighbours over to discuss plans against the restaurant, said: "We're planning to hold a public meeting at the Bitterne Manor Community Centre.

"I don't understand why we need another McDonald's, we already have 10 within the area of the city and it's shocking.

"We're supposed to be focusing on healthy eating and pollution.

"My main concern is around crime rates.

"Looking at Hedge End and Swaythling the crime rates in the areas went up.

"It's not anything the company is doing wrong, but it encourages people to congregate late at night.

"It would be devastating with the smells, pollution, air quality and litter.

"It will affect our wellbeing in this street."

Fellow resident Karen Matkowski added: "I'm worried about the value of my house and if they will use the exit on our road.

"It's busy during peak times and other periods.

"With a steady stream of traffic it will be difficult to manage.

"It will bring light pollution, noise and litter.

"I'm really disappointed."

A McDonald's spokesperson said: "We can confirm that plans have been submitted for a new restaurant on Hawkeswood Road in Southampton.

"We look forward to progressing with this application and believe it would bring specific investment to the local community, as well as creating at least 65 new jobs."

The chain already has two restaurant in the city centre, as well as at Totton, Ower, Rownhams, Millbrook, Shirley, Swaythling, Hedge End and Eastleigh.