Controversial plans for a new McDonald's restaurant and drive-thru in a Hampshire town have today been given the go-ahead.

Civic chiefs have approved an application to inject new life into Totton town centre by transforming a derelict site that has stood empty since the Red Lion pub was destroyed by fire in 2010.

The scheme, which includes an office building, is expected to create between 65 and 85 jobs.

However, the application had sparked more than 50 objections from people worried about the prospect of accidents on a bend beside the site in Commercial Road.

Many of the protesters also cited the danger of litter blowing into the Lower Test Nature Reserve - a site of Special Scientific Interest.

Cllr Sue Bennison told fellow members of the district council's planning committee: “This is probably the worst possible site you could put something like this.”

But other councillors highlighted the potential boost to Totton's economy.

Cllr Maureen Holding said: “This is a facility that will bring jobs to the area. In this day and age jobs are crucial - especially to young people.”

Cllr Michael Thierry claimed that many of the objections were based on assumptions and speculation. He added: “They are all worst case scenarios.”

After a long debate the application was approved by 12 votes to six.