A DECISION to allow two new fast food outlets to be built in a Hampshire town sparked fury at a public meeting last night.

Totton residents accused the Government’s Planning Inspectorate of ignoring the views of local people and called for the system to be made more democratic.

Plans to redevelop a site next to the Rushington roundabout were approved on appeal two months ago – despite strong public opposition to the scheme.

About 100 people packed into Hounsdown Hall last night to voice their anger at the decision to approve the controversial proposals.

As reported in the Daily Echo, hundreds of people lodged objections after proposals to build facilities for KFC and Costa Coffee were unveiled in 2013.

Campaigners claimed that traffic entering and leaving the site would endanger other road users, plus pupils walking to and from nearby Hounsdown School.

Daily Echo: Residents pack out the meeting about the Rushington Roundabout plans last night

They also raised concerns about antisocial behaviour and the amount of litter likely to be generated by the restaurants.

New Forest District Council, backed by Totton and Eling Town Council, rejected the application last year in a move that delighted locals.

But their joy turned to anger after the applicant, Gentian Developments (Totton) Ltd, lodged an appeal, and a Governmentappointed planning inspector quashed the council’s decision.

Last night residents complained that the inspector had ignored the opinion of two local authorities and the views expressed by more than 400 objectors.

Cllr David Harrison, who represents Totton South, said: “Everything seems to be stacked in favour of the developer.

“The wishes of locally-elected councillors can be over-ridden by one man. That should only be allowed to happen in exceptional circumstances.”

The multi-million-pound scheme is expected to create about 65 jobs. But many of the speakers said that it would also generate extra traffic problems on the A35 – the scene of several serious accidents.

Politicians said that the community should try to work with the companies involved in the scheme in a bid to achieve the best possible outcome.

Dr Julian Lewis, Tory MP for New Forest East, said: “They know they are not wanted on that site. I would be amazed if they didn’t want to have an ongoing relationship with a small, representative group.”