TWO fast food giants could go head-to-head in a Hampshire town in a move that would create more than 100 jobs.

KFC is planning to open a branch in Totton, where arch rival McDonald’s is already battling to gain permission for a restaurant and drive-thru.

The two schemes would provide 105 jobs – on top of the 60 new posts that have been created at the Totton branch of Morrisons.

A KFC spokesman said: “Due to popular demand we are really keen to open a restaurant in Totton, but it’s early days so we can’t say too much at the moment.

“A new outlet would generate up to 40 career opportunities for the community and we hope to have some good news for our fans in the area soon.”

KFC is refusing to release any more details about the scheme, including the proposed location.
McDonald’s wants to redevelop the former site of the Red Lion pub, which was destroyed by fire a few weeks after it closed two years ago.

The land is on a sharp bend in Commercial Road – the main route between the town centre and Southampton.

Both McDonald’s and KFC already have restaurants just a few miles away in Millbrook, Southampton.

McDonald’s withdrew its original application earlier this year after objectors claimed that vehicles trying to emerge from the site would be involved in accidents.

New Forest District Council criticised the design of the proposed new complex.

Police also lodged an objection, saying the restaurant was likely to result in the same sort of problems associated with the McDonald’s in Millbrook.

The company is about to submit a revised scheme that aims to placate its critics.
But Councillor David Harrison, who represents Totton South, said KFC’s plan to open a branch in the town was also likely to prove controversial.

Cllr Harrison revealed that most of the comments posted on his social networking site were highly critical of the scheme.

He told the Daily Echo: “Many people will fail to see the need for a further KFC outlet, with one already located in Millbrook.

“It will be important to see the detailed plans before any decision can be made.

“The extra jobs would be very welcome but there are bound to be concerns about traffic issues, the potential for littering and even antisocial behaviour.
“Some people will say ‘yes’ to a KFC or a McDonald’s, but probably not both.”