“THIS application isn’t welcome”.

Those were the words of a councillor who says Southampton City Council does not support plans for a new McDonald’s restaurant in the city.

Labour councillor Eamonn Keogh told the Daily Echo that he is not in favour of a new drive-through restaurant in the former Field and Trek site on Hawkeswood Road, near Northam Bridge.

It comes after a group of residents expressed their anger towards the plans.

Cllr Keogh said: “We don’t support this application – we support the business opportunity.

“This application isn’t welcome.

“I know that the Labour group is opposed to this proposal.

“This is not about party polls – we are all opposed to this application.”

He added: “I also objected to the McDonald’s application in Woolston on the grounds of public safety, public health and highway congestion and pollution and these were the basis for my objections to this current application.

“The city council cannot prevent any applicant such as McDonald’s submitting an application for the development of a particular site.

Residents held a public meeting last month to share their objections over the proposed drive-through.

They slammed the plans to build the restaurant, saying it would increase pollution from vehicles in Bitterne Manor as they expect multiple cars to flock to the restaurant each day.

The campaign group were backed by Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith who said that no-one is against fast-food restaurants but said the council have to “balance convenience with the potential risk to public health”.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We can confirm that plans have been submitted for a new restaurant on Hawkeswood Road. We look forward to progressing with this application and believe it would bring significant investment to the local community, as well as creating at least 65 new jobs.”