West Wickham residents stage protest against KFC's plans for new drive-thru

KFC bosses launched plans for a new drive-thru restaurant and community woodland on the closed La Rioja restaurant in Wickham Road last week.

But more than 1,300 residents have joined a Facebook group campaigning against the plans with many complaining the chicken chain already has a restaurant in the High Street.

Social media users have left hundreds of messages saying they were concerned the Colonel’s drive-thru on Wickham Road would cause traffic chaos, noise pollution and mountains of litter.

KFC chiefs are looking to submit a full planning application to Bromley Council in the coming weeks.

If councillors approved the application, KFC claims the drive-thru would create up to 50 new finger lickin’ jobs.

Resident Mark Atwell, of Chamberlain Crescent, strongly opposes the plans.

The 41-year-old, who works in education recruitment said: “I just don’t want it. They’ll be noisy idiots hanging around outside after boozy nights out. It’s going to bring down West Wickham.

“The traffic will be a nightmare. It would affect me coming home from work and I moved here so I could spend more time with my family.”

Mr Atwell moved to West Wickham from inner London seven months ago with his wife and son because he wanted to live in a quieter area with access to good schools.

“Children coming to and from school cross the road next to that restaurant. It will be chaos for parents on the school run,” he said.

“I chose to live here because it’s quiet and it’s a nice neck of the woods. There is quite a villagey feel to it.

“There are enough fast food chains on West Wickham High Street already.”

KFC also plans to open up the currently restricted High Broom Wood area, which lies behind the proposed site, to the local community.

KFC franchise company Auriga Holdings Limited has invited residents to get in touch with feedback.

Afnan Bashir, of Auriga Holdings Limited said: “KFC restaurants are designed to fit into the local area, which is why we want to know what the West Wickham community thinks of our plans.

“The development would be a sensitive re-use of the building, taking into account the character and setting of the site.

“We are currently undertaking a public consultation process, meeting with key local stakeholders and neighbours. We welcome all feedback on the proposal.”

To submit feedback residents can call 0844 842 5270 or email kfcwestwickham@onlybeattie.com.