Application to build KFC with drive-thru in Whiteley submitted

Amsric Foods Ltd are hoping to build the fast food restaurant on Rookery Avenue, near to where a Lidl supermarket is set to be built. 

The KFC would create 55 jobs including 22 full time and 33 part time if the plans are given the green light, the developer has said. 

According to the application submitted to Winchester City Council, the restaurant would have opening hours of 7am to midnight every day of the week and on bank holidays. 

It would also have 26 car parking spaces, as well as two disabled spots, two other grill bays and one spot for motorcycles. 

The application is to build the restaurant on land off Solent Way, close to the Solent Business Park - which would be to the south-east of the proposed site. 

If approved the KFC would be built on an area of greenfield land off Solent Way. 

Savills, who submited to application on behalf of Amsric Foods Ltd, wrote in the planning statement: '˜Amsric has identified a site in close proximity to Solent Business Park on an area of greenfield land which has been the subject of significant redevelopment in its surroundings in recent years with notable development proposed to come through in the near future (e.g. Lidl supermarket).

'˜The site is dominated by rough grassland with areas of encroaching scrub. 

'˜The building proposes a contemporary finish and is to be built in steel and clad in insulated coloured panels, cladding system and composite external steel. Internally illuminated 'KFC' lettering will be fixed directly to the cladding.

'˜The proposals include new hard and soft landscaping, new kerbs, paving and drive thru lane while pedestrian access has been accommodated with pedestrian crossings and pavements on the site.' 

In a pre-application response, Richard Smith on behalf of Winchester City Council wrote: '˜The site is designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) '“ Whiteley Meadow 3 - which consists of semi-improved rush pasture with a rich grassland flora and of high value to wildlife.

'˜Management recommendations for the site include mowing two-to-three times per year with the arisings being removed and some scrub should be retained to maintain structural diversity.

'˜The site is allocated under Policy SHUA3 '“ Solent 2 Employment Allocation with Environmental policy stating that 'the site should be suitably landscaped and respect the biodiversity value of the adjoining SINC'.

'˜As well as the inherent value of the habitat on site, there is potential for protected species to utilise this area, especially reptiles, with a known population of slow worms and adders on site.

'˜Amphibians, invertebrates, mammals, birds and bats could use the site. Priority habitat, deciduous woodland adjoining the site must be protected with a buffer and ensured that there is no external lighting impacting this habitat.

'˜Landscape plans should show how net biodiversity gain can be achieved on site, including drainage/SUDS provision and this can be achieved with liaison between ecology officer, drainage officer and landscape officer.' 

A Lidl supermarket is also set to open on Solent Way in 2019, after being granted planning permission.