Plans for a Burger King drive thru at an out-of-town shopping centre have been refused by a council.

The proposal for the fast food chain to open at Hempstead Valley, in Gillingham, were discussed at a Medway Council meeting tonight.

The local authority's planning committee refused the plans for the drive thru and sit-down restaurant.

If approved, it would have replaced the current multi-storey car park exit ramp near Marks & Spencers.

However, concerns raised by councillors included the impact of the development on residents, as well as the problem of litter and congestion.

Chairman Cllr Diane Chambers (Con), whose ward the application falls under, labelled the proposals a "brand-led design".

"I won't be supporting this application," she said.

"There seems to have been a distinct change in the way the owners of Hempstead Valley have operated and the quality of design has certainly dropped off.

"This application moves away from the design which has been at the shopping centre. It's a brand-led design and doesn't pay any respect to the surrounding area."

She was also concerned about "conflict" between vehicles going to the drive-thru and those going into the multi-storey car park.

She added: "It's not a welcome facility for those who live in close proximity - the hours are longer than Hempstead Valley is open for.

"This is primarily about a drive thru which will add to the amount of traffic which is already considerably heavy. This doesn't bring anything to the shopping centre or local residents."

Strood North councillor Stephen Hubbard welcomed the proposal.

He said: "Shopping centres are under threat, so anything we can do to support local shopping centres like Hempstead should be welcomed.

"I really support this and I think it should be welcomed."

Nine of the 10 committee members voted to refuse planning permission.

Prior to the meeting, the council received 18 letters objecting to the plans, with the impact on surrounding streets, including heavier traffic noted as a reason for concern.

There was only one letter of support, which said a positive outcome, if approved, would be the creation of jobs.

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