PLANS to build a fast-food restaurant on the edge of Colchester could harm the town if they are given the green light, according to a planning bosses.

Colchester Council has lodged a strong objection to plans to build a KFC restaurant in Ipswich Road, which falls into Tendring.

In a letter of objection to Tendring District Council, planners warn the takeaway would be harmful to the town centre.

It said: “By taking trade away from the town centre, this proposal undermines the town centre’s economic viability and this also undermines the interests of sustainability.”

It also said the proposed restaurant would be “in the wrong location” adding: “It should be located at a service station on a major road.”

The letter also questioned why the land, which is beside the historic Lion and Lamb Cottage, is included in the Tendring boundary.

“If the area had been included in the Colchester Borough, it is likely it would have been incorporated into the Severalls strategic employment zone,” it said.

The letter also warns noise and light disturbance to nearby residents would be caused.

“This business will be open late in to evening, when local residents are most likely to be home, when they would have a reasonable expectation of quiet.”