PLANS for a new KFC restaurant and drive-thru have been welcomed from Colchester residents.

KFC is making a second attempt to build a restaurant in Ipswich Road, Colchester, a few years after initial plans were thrown out.

The restaurant, which would be next to the Premier Inn, received criticism last time as residents felt it would be messy and generate traffic and anti-social behaviour.

However, after hearing about the revised plans, some residents who cannot access the High Street shop easily have welcomed an alternative saying it would be a refreshing change to the overcrowded branch.

Resident Dawn Nortz said: “I’m all for it, I do like a KFC and I live off Ipswich Road.

“If I do want to treat the family I have to go park in town and walk and get it then go back to car and drive home.

“Even with the one planned at Tollgate I would have to go the other side of Colchester. Why shouldn’t we have one up this end?”

Resident Charlotte Ryan said she would fully support the plans.

She said: “I am behind having a KFC here. I can’t use the one in town as I have a little boy and it is not suitable for wheelchair or pushchair users.

“I often drive to Clacton if I want a KFC.”

However, other residents, including those next door to the site, said it would be a nuisance for other neighbours.

Stefanie Barnes said: “I’m not sure we need to encourage any more traffic on the Ipswich Road.

“I just can’t help but wonder why every time there is a free space, someone thinks McDonald’s or KFC.”

“Why can’t we have a big covered market that can be used all year round?”

Colchester Council has also objected to the plans, saying the decision made by the planning inspector last time still stands.

They said: “Whilst the layout is different to scheme that was dismissed at appeal, it is still fundamentally harmful to neighbouring amenity the inspector was so concerned about.

“The noise and disturbance will encroach into the neighbouring resident’s sleep time every day of the year.

“The design is a bland, go-anywhere box which will not enhance the area.”

KFC said the site has been left disused for some time and it is keen to bring some life back to the area.