CAMPAIGNERS have been victorious in their battle against a third McDonalds restaurant in Kidderminster after councillors ignored expert advice to throw out the plans.

Members of Wyre Forest District Council's planning (development control) committee voted against a bid for a restaurant on land next to Park Street and the ring road island at Bewdley Road against the advice of planning officers.

They also supported protest group RAM (Residents Against McDonalds), which had produced a 1,000-signature petition, despite a traffic report which stated the impact of the development on nearby residential streets would be "imperceptible".

McDonalds had resubmitted the bid, which had previously been rejected, for a drive-through restaurant with 40 parking spaces. It would have been the town's third outlet after eateries in Worcester Street and off Worcester Road.

Sutton Park ward councillor Rachel Lewis said "no real notice" had been taken of numerous neighbouring small businesses and said trade for the restaurant would be likely to come from visitors to West Midland Safari Park, increasing traffic congestion. She also cited "noise and disturbance to local residents, many of whom are elderly".

Fellow ward councillor Peter Carter said: "I'm not prepared to be bought off. Congestion from articulated vehicles is horrendous at the best of times."

Councillor Reg Johnstone said: "Two outlets in town producing this kind of high-cholesterol stodge is quite enough."

Planning officer Mike Parker's report had said the noise generated by the development "would not materially affect the acoustic amenity" of neighbouring homes.

He had said there was "no one specific reason" why the plan should be refused.