A NEW Battle of the Burger could be looming over plans for a fast food restaurant on the edge of the New Forest.

McDonald's has been taking another look at its proposal to build a 75-seat restaurant and drive-through facility at Beaulieu Road, Dibden Purlieu.

One of two applications submitted by McDonald's was rejected by the district council in July.

Councillors were told that the authority had received more than 400 letters of objection and a petition signed by 1,200 protesters.

Many of the objectors said the restaurant would result in noise, smell and litter problems.

Campaigners were backed by New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis, who warned that the complex could create extra traffic problems in the area.

Now McDonald's is attempting to solve some of the problems associated with the original scheme and might make a second attempt to gain consent.

A company spokesman said: "The first application was fairly convincingly rejected by the council in the summer, but the second is still running.

"We felt we wanted to address some of the points which were raised when the first scheme was turned down.

"We may be able to resolve certain issues and might take a view after that.

"If we do proceed with another attempt it will be down to elected councillors to decide if the proposal should be approved or not."

Local resident Murray McNicol, who campaigned against the first application, said: "We're disappointed that the scheme is still simmering away.

"I'm hoping all the letters sent in response to the original application will still stand if the company make a second bid for permission."

A district council spokes-man said: "McDonald's submitted two duplicate proposals, one of which is still a live application.

"We understand that they were looking to resolve certain highway issues, but haven't heard from them for a number of weeks."