PLANS for a fast-food giant to open a drive-thru restaurant on the edge of Colchester have been thrown out.

KFC had hoped to open a takeaway in Ipswich Road, next to the historic Lion and Lamb Cottage.

But when initial plans were rejected by planners in July, the company launched an appeal against the decision.

But on Friday a Government planning inspector dismissed the appeal.

Lesley Coffey said the proposal would make roads near to the proposed site dangerous and would be detrimental to the surrounding area.

Residents had strongly opposed the plans because of a likely increase in noise levels.

But the inspector said a proposed acoustic fence between the restaurant and the cottage would reduce the sound to an acceptable level.

However, she said car noise and loud voices would be noticeable to residents and would be likely to disturb neighbours, particularly late at night and at weekends.

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