Fears of antisocial behaviour and excessive rubbish have been voiced as McDonald’s eyes up opening a new branch at an empty unit.

Whiteley residents have fiercely objected to proposals to introduce the fast-food chain to the shopping centre.

The global company hope to take over the space formerly occupied by Chimichanga.

Tamsin White is concerned the arrival of the store will increase traffic and vehicle noise with ‘loud exhausts’ in the area.

She added: “Fast food restaurants lead to excess rubbish - which McDonald's never takes responsibility for - unhealthy eating, and antisocial behaviour into the late hours.

“We already have so many fast-food places: KFC, Subway, Five Guys, and Burger King just to name a few.”

Sam White shared an objection in agreement with Tamsin White.

Sam said: “Whiteley doesn't need another fast-food outlet, there are plenty of options already in place.

“Providing residents with something we don't already have would make much more sense.

“Additional traffic and anti-social behaviour come with McDonald’s.

“Residents can already easily go to Fareham, Portsmouth, Gosport, Hedge End, Southampton, and Cosham.”

One objector cited concerns about attracting ‘boy racers’.

Mikaela Godley from Fareham said: “Considering Whiteley is already experiencing issues with boy racers around the roundabouts, I would really hate for a McDonald's to be built in this area when it's not necessary.

“We live in a beautiful area with not many fast-food chains at all, which is a reason I love living in Whiteley so much.”

For Wendy Jolley, it is ‘extremely disappointing’ to see Winchester City Council ‘promote and encourage the consumption of fast foods’.

She said: “The fast foods are ultimately damaging for the local, national and global environment and detrimental to health of the current and ongoing generations.

“I object for many reasons but fundamentally is there really a need for yet another fast-food outlet particularly in a town of mostly young families?”

Plans to transform the old Chimichangas site from a restaurant to a restaurant and takeaway were approved by Winchester City Council this year.

The shopping centre applied for the change of use.

A decision is yet to be made on the two applications - one to build a new entrance to the restaurant for McDonald’s and the second to install the chain's signage.