RESIDENTS have hit out at plans to open a fifth McDonald's restaurant in Colchester.

Schroder UK Real Estate Fund has applied for planning permission to create the new fast food restaurant and drive-thru at the Turner Rise Retail Park, in Petrolea Close, Colchester.

The drive-thru would be located between PizzaHut and Go Outdoors on site.

About 65 new jobs would be created, whilst the public realm at the retail park will be improved as part of the plans.

McDonald’s already has four restaurants in the town in Colchester High Street, Cowdray Avenue, just off the A12 at junction 28 and at Tollgate in Stanway.

Almost 500 people voted in an online poll on the Gazette website.

Out of 479 respondents, 81 per cent said Colchester did not need another McDonald's store.

The remaining 19 per cent said yes they'd like to see another one of the chain open in the town.

Since the plans were submitted, 64 residents have also objection to the proposals online.

Concerns have been raised about the issue of traffic in the North Station area of the town.

One said: "North Station Roundabout and the surrounding roads are already far too busy.

"There's a McDonald's literally five minutes away from here.

"There's absolutely no need for another one of the business park."

Another said: "Appalled at the thought of yet more unhealthy food being offered.

"This part of Colchester already has two such outlets."

Ward councillor Martin Goss (Lib Dem, Mile End) has called in the application and it will be discussed by the planning committee.