CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new McDonald’s restaurant in Southampton have been withdrawn.

City bosses were set to discuss the proposal for a new drive-through restaurant in the former Field and Trek building on Hawkeswood Road during a meeting set to take place tonight. 

As reported, residents sent 191 letters of objections to the council and sparked a protest which was backed by civic chiefs and Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith.

Planners said the positive aspects of the scheme were not likely to outweigh the negatives and recommended members of the Planning and Rights of Way Panel to refuse the proposal. 

But 24 hours before the meeting, McDonald’s withdrew the plans.

When asked why and if it will re-submit plans for another restaurant in the city, a spokesperson for the firm said: “We have temporarily withdrawn our application as we review the feedback from the consultation period, and will make a decision on the appropriate next steps in due course.”

As reported, residents raised concerns over the impact the scheme would have on the local area, traffic and pollution.

David Fuller, inset, councillor for Bitterne Park ward, welcomed the news and said: “McDonald’s could bring it back. We don’t know if they will but we will continue to fight if it is brought back but at this stage there isn’t any evidence that this will happen.”

Cllr Eamonn Keogh said McDonald’s made the right decision.

As reported, the proposed site is at the at the junction with Bitterne Road West, near Northam Bridge.

Andy Peterson, one of the local residents who campaigned against the plans said: “We are surprised at this last minute decision but hope it is because they have listened to local people and their concerns. When our local environment was threatened by more litter,more air pollution,more traffic, more parking problems the community really came together as one.”

MP Royston Smith praised the campaigners and added: “While I have nothing against fast food outlets in general this site was inappropriate.”