PLANS to create a hub of fast food chains at Bicester Services have been refused by officers.

Euro Garages had hoped to develop the site to house three restaurants off the A41 Oxford Road – a stones throw from Bicester's new Mcdonald's.

Leon, Starbucks, and Burger King, which is already onsite, were all named in the planning application as possible occupants.

But Cherwell District Council officers have this month dubbed the proposals 'detrimental' and said they would result in a 'cramped, poor quality' site.

DRIVE-THRU WARS: - Three takeaways could join new McDonald's

A reason for refusal document added to the plans said: "The proposed development would detrimentally impact on the character and appearance of the locality and be poorly integrated into the surrounding context and would result in a cramped, poor-quality environment."

It added: "The application fails to adequately demonstrate that the proposed development would provide suitable and safe access for pedestrians/ cyclists or provide links to the surrounding pedestrian movement networks."

The original application was put forward in February 2018 and followed months of pressure from residents for a McDonald's to be built in the town.

A McDonald's has since opened, late last year, across the road from this site.

The Bicester Service Station plans proposed the current restaurant building be demolished and two new drive-through restaurants built, along with a new drive-through coffee shop.

The companies that would have taken on these buildings were not confirmed, but artist's impressions showed Burger King, Starbucks and Leon.

Oxford Mail:

The petrol station was retained as part of the plans and it would continue to provide four pumps for cars and two pumps for HGVs.

A 62-space car park was also included with four disability spaces and 10 bike stands.

Plans original gained a mixed response from residents with many keen to see the ageing service station redeveloped, but feared the impact on traffic on the busy area.

Highways England offered no objections to the plans, and Bicester Town Council supported the application but flagged concerns about traffic movements.

In response to the various concerns, applicants Euro Garages Ltd said: "The proposed site layout does allow for landscaping to be incorporated to help screen and integrate the development in its context."

It also said existing landscaping would be kept, whilst more planting of trees, shrubs and 'ornamental hedges' could be included.

READ AGAIN: Fans bursting for burgers as Bicester McDonald's opens

It added: "[Starbucks building] provides identity to the brand and is not of a design that is out-of-keeping with its locality when considered alongside the neighbouring developments, such as that at Bicester Village, the new, modern Tesco building and the McDonald’s and retail parks on the opposite side of Oxford Road.

"Similarly, the Burger King is a corporate design, which establishes the brand identity and is a nationally seen design."

It also said the plans 'enhance pedestrian connectivity' in the area.

Cherwell District Council officers did not agree and refused permission for the plans on March 8.

For more details on the plans go to cherwell.gov.uk and search 18/01822/F