OBJECTIONS have flooded in for a proposal for a new drive-through restaurant and retail units.

Richard Fitzgerald has applied for planning permission to build on Approach Andover, in New Street.

He wants to demolish part of the buildings, while retaining the petrol station and shop.

The plans submitted to Test Valley Borough Council include extending the former car dealership to create a drive-through restaurant and two retail units, as well as building further shop space.

The plans have already attracted 27 letters of objection and a petition signed by 59 people, while Andover Town Council has also raised concerns.

The town council has stated that the access off New Street is dangerous, and that there is already an existing planning permission for a drive-through restaurant on the adjacent site of Kwik Fit.

Residents are concerned about an increase in congestion on the roads, and believe that there are already enough drive-through restaurants in Andover.

They are also worried about noise and litter from the site.

However, 10 letters have been received by the borough council in support of the proposal, with people welcoming development on the derelict site.

Borough councillors met last night to decide on the plans, which planning officers have already called “acceptable”.

A report recommending approval of the plans said: “It is considered that there are no sequentially preferable sites available for the proposed uses and, in any case, the effect of the proposal on the vitality and viability is considered limited.”