CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new McDonald’s – south Hampshire's sixteenth – are set to be given the green light by councillors.

Civic chiefs have recommended proposals for the new fast food outlet, at a car park by the Itchen Bridge in Woolston, when Southampton City Council’s planning committee meets today.

Click here to see how councillors voted on the controversial plans

That’s despite more than 60 objections from residents, who have warned of potential traffic chaos and an over-saturation of food establishments in the area.

Police have also raised fears over a possible increase in anti-social behaviour if the plans are given the go-ahead.

The restaurant would open alongside others in Millbrook, Shirley, Swaythling and the city centre.

Hampshire Constabulary says there have been more than 250 incidents at or close to McDonald’s premises – including 80 assaults – in the last two years at Millbrook, Hedge End, Shirley, Harbour Parade and Totton.

Councillor for Peartree, Alex Houghton, has also raised objections to the scheme, which is in his ward.

He said: “I’ve had a lot of feedback from residents who have raised concerns about having a McDonald’s in Woolston.”

“Many of them are particularly worried about the increase in traffic and the narrative that comes with McDonald’s and obesity, particularly with a primary school just two minutes walk away.”

He added: “I’ve said in my objection about the site creating up to 10 per cent more traffic.

“With the gridlock situation on Portsmouth Road and Victoria Road in the mornings and evenings, a 10 per cent increase will be noticeable for people.

“It will have an impact on people getting to work or dropping their children off at school or just getting around.”

The site, in Portsmouth Road, is owned by Southampton City Council and is currently in use as a car park and a former local housing office.

If planning permission is granted, the current structure will be demolished and replaced with a new three storey building, of which one floor will be a basement.

The restaurant is proposed to include a drive-thru and 38 parking spaces.

McDonald’s had hoped to have the restaurant open 24-hours-a-day.

However, following talks with the council, the company has agreed to limit the opening times to 6am until midnight every day.

Despite objections, the planning officers’ report said: “Despite significant local opposition to the proposals officer’s feel that a suitable balance has been achieved between securing a viable use for a vacant site in the Woolston District Centre whilst not detrimentally harming the residential amenity and highway safety.”

A spokesperson for McDonald’s added: “We can confirm that we have submitted a planning application for a new restaurant on Portsmouth Road in Southampton.

“If approved, the restaurant would create 65 full and part-time jobs and bring significant investment to the local community.”

If planning permission is granted, it is thought that the new premises will open in 2019.

To see how civic chiefs voted on the plans - Click here