A planning application for a new McDonald’s in a Herefordshire town could mean the loss of business, local takeaways, and restaurants fear.

Manager and soon to be owner of Burger Master, Sam Abel of Ross-on-Wye, is afraid the planned new drive-thru in the town could lead to closure for his restaurant.

Mr Abel has written to Herefordshire Council to voice his concerns:

“There are several takeaways already in Ross, in which I manage one of them. McDonald's would have the potential to close me down and would leave the town centre with yet another empty shop,” Mr Abel said.

He is also concerned that there are other chain restaurants close by.

“McDonald's is right next to a Burger King that has just been opened, so, there is no need for another burger restaurant.”

Mr Abel also raised concern over the potential disruption for St Mary’s Garden Village.

“There are 400 brand new houses being built in that area, the supermarkets in Ross are already crowded and you cannot always get what you need. This location would be ideal for a supermarket which is a necessity for people to live.”

The potential customer’s using the McDonald’s is also of concern for Mr Abel and other Ross residents.

“When I have been to Malvern or Belmont McDonald's drive-thru they attract unwanted attention around, boy racers sat in the car park, rubbish like you have never seen before. This would be a very bad image for Ross. The town is meant to be a historic town with unique shops.”

He also believes there is potential for residents to desert the town if the McDonald’s is built.

“I have already seen and heard many people who have just got a house up there not wanting McDonald's and are thinking or leaving if that happens. They got a house up there because of what was around you would be losing the trust of people who have recently moved to Ross.”

Mr Abel has called on the council to make the right decision and not to let the town down.

McDonald's hopes to offer jobs through the new restaurant.

A McDonald's spokesperson said: “At McDonald’s we strive to be a good neighbour in the communities we serve. We firmly believe we can have a positive impact in this area including the creation of 65 full and part time jobs for local people. We pride ourselves on the positive contributions we make in communities across the UK and we proudly operate our business in a responsible way, beneficial to those in the immediate and surrounding areas. We hope for a decision that will allow us to demonstrate this in Ross-on-Wye.”

Consultation for objections ends on September 16.

Herefordshire council planners have set a target determination of September 27.