A FAST food giant has been given the go-ahead to build a drive-through restaurant near one of Southampton's biggest housing estates.

The boarded-up Swan pub by Millbrook roundabout in Millbrook will be turned into a 70-seat Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlet.

But it emerged today that the project is to be delayed by at least six months because of a wrangle over land ownership.

Planning permission for a KFC has just been granted by the city council, subject to a number of local improvements.

The landmark site in front of blocks of flats at Green Park Road and by the Millbrook flyover, will also have a retail outlet on it.

However, the council has insisted on the widening of Green Park Road so there can be extra parking for residents, the creation of a footpath and the building of a mini round-about by the Pennine Road and Wimpson Lane junction a few yards away.

A pedestrian crossing, long-called for by locals, will also be introduced.

There has been a pub at the site, just off the main docks road, for more than 80 years.

The Swan, dating back to 1918, was replaced by the Fighting Cocks in 1968, before being renamed The Swan again in 1989 following a £100,000 refit.

It is understood there have been few objections to the plans from residents in the neighbourhood.

But one council tenant, who asked not to be named, said: "A few of us are worried about litter blowing all over the place and problems with youngsters hanging around night and day.''

One of Millbrook's ward councillors, George Melrose, said: "It is sad that a long tradition of having a pub on the site has now been broken. But, on the other hand, if local people are happy with a KFC and they find that even more convenient, then personally I think it's all right.

"The pub used to be a social meeting place for a lot of the older people, and it is a shame it has gone.''

Councillor Paul Russell, whose Redbridge ward includes the area, said: "All in all it is of benefit to the environment and to people. It's a good thing.''

A KFC spokeswoman said the project to build the 3,000 sq ft restaurant had had to be put back by at least six months because of complications surrounding land ownership.

The site was acquired by London-based company Firth Argyll, which declined to comment on the reasons for the delay.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.