Plans to build Herne Bay’s first McDonald’s as part of a multi-million-pound development have sparked fears it will cause traffic “bedlam” on a busy roundabout.

Kitewood Estates launched a bid to expand Altira Business Park in Broomfield by constructing the fast-food restaurant along with a B&M, Food Warehouse and builders' merchant.

The firm lodged the proposals with Canterbury City Council last month, just a few weeks after unveiling drawings of a 67-home estate at Blacksole Farm nearby.

But the scheme has attracted opposition from 12 residents, who believe the Margate Road roundabout close by will become gridlocked if the developer has its way.

“This will be a huge mistake,” said Katie Porter, a mother-of-two who has lived in Herne Bay for 21 years.

“I use that roundabout every morning to join the New Thanet Way and it’s not wide enough already to be used as two lanes.

“A drive-thru restaurant is going to make it much worse.

“I’m all for supporting a restaurant here, but a drive-thru is going to cause bedlam.

“New businesses are good for the area for jobs, but not at the expense of safety.”

Another person argues the construction of the McDonald’s “will result in a major traffic incident” and worries it could create traffic similar to the kind seen at the branch in Chestfield, near Whitstable.

Locals also think the fast-food joint could lead to unrest and greater levels of litter in the area.

Objector Jack Kendall asked: “What effect on anti-social behaviour in the local area will this have?

toolstation “Has the council considered any of this?”

But one person living nearby, Janet Gates, does not “see a problem at all with the development”, noting the new businesses will “bring people to the town and create employment”.

Kitewood bosses say the development will create “111 new full-time jobs on-site and a further 67 roles in the supply chain for local people during operation”.

Documents show the company will fork out £10.3 million to construct the entire site, which will have almost 240 parking spaces.

A traffic report submitted to the city council by the company states routes close to the new shops and restaurant are “likely to operate within capacity for the majority of the week”.

It also stresses the project is “acceptable in highways and transport terms”.

“This site has the ability to further support and develop the regeneration of the area,” Kitewood officials say in planning papers.

“The scheme will stimulate economic development in Herne Bay, which is vital coming out of the pandemic.

“It will provide a more diverse and attractive offering for Altira that is better suited to today’s retail environment.

“The proposed development will be of a high quality and modern design.”

Altira already houses a Sainsbury’s superstore, petrol station, Snap Fitness gym, driving test centre and a branch of Screwfix.

It was revealed last year City Plumbing, Brewers decorating and Toolstation will also open premises at the complex.