THERE are fears over boy racers, rats and flooding resulting from a new McDonald’s set to be given the green light by planners next week.

If approved, the new store will be built in Wirral, just off the M53 in Prenton – but hundreds of people have voiced their objections to the plans, coming up with more than 20 reasons why they don’t want the fast food giant to open there.

A petition with 219 names was handed into the council, along with 91 further objections to the plans to build a 24-hour restaurant and drive-thru on Prenton Way, located on the North Cheshire Trading Estate.

Among the concerns were fears over an increase in litter, noise disturbance, congestion and potential danger to pedestrians due to an increase in traffic both at night and during the day.

Objections also mentioned “antisocial behaviour that McDonald’s has a tendency to attract”, specifying “boy racers and trouble making”.

That’s as well as attracting potential pests to an area “already suffering from problems with rats and seagulls”, and the fact there are “four other McDonald’s restaurants within a five-mile radius”.

The fears, detailed in the document set to be discussed at the Wallasey Town Hall meeting next week, also described the idea of building a McDonald’s on the estate as “ironic”, because it’s next to a gym.

They added: “This will serve to encourage obesity not discourage it and the strain obesity is already having on over-stretched NHS.”

With regards to flooding, the objections said: “Proposals will be built over a main water feed that has already burst in recent years causing significant flooding and considerable congestion as a result of the trading estate being closed.”

As well as a two-storey restaurant, the store will have a drive-thru, 47 parking spaces, cycle stands, outside seating with ‘jumbrellas’ and a children’s play area.

McDonald’s said earlier this year it will create “at least 65” new full and part-time jobs.

The site in question has been vacant for a “substantial period of time”, and the report said proposals were considered “reasonable”, with the design of the building itself “subtle” – using “natural and neutral” colours like khaki and stone.

In terms of safety fears, a new toucan crossing and “high-friction surfacing treatment” along Prenton Way have been proposed, with the building also designed with “natural security and surveillance in mind”.

A CCTV system will be installed, as will extensive lighting to ensure there aren’t any “hiding places”.

In response to flooding concerns, the report added that the local flood authority is satisfied with the plans, as is United Utilities.

The report to be considered by Wirral Council planners on May 30 recommends members to approve the proposals subject to conditions.

It said: “Whilst there has been previous refusals on this site relating to the impact that such a development would have on the local highway network, these current proposals have been scrutinised closely and considered carefully by the Council’s Highways Engineers

“The Local Highway Authority and the Local Planning Authority are satisfied that the previous reasons for refusal have been addressed.

“It is considered that having regards to the considerable period of time that the site has remained vacant, […], that national and local planning policies are generally supportive of alternative uses for the site being brought forward.

“The development will provide for the creation of new jobs and details have been provided that demonstrate opportunities for skills and training through the end users employment programmes.”

Speaking about the proposals earlier this year, ward Cllr Tony Norbury said: “The land that McDonald’s have chosen to put their latest fast food restaurant on in Prenton is unstable as it is designated for industrial use only.

“The people of the [nearby] Durley Estate are very concerned about this application as they fear an increase in litter, noise pollution and unruly behaviour.”

A spokesman for McDonald’s said in January: “We can confirm that we have submitted a planning application for a new drive-thru restaurant on Prenton Way and we are working with the council on our plans.

“If approved, we believe the new restaurant would bring investment to the local community as well as creating at least 65 new full and part-time jobs.

“As with our other restaurants in the area we will be fully committed to being good neighbour and responsible member of the community in which we operate.”

The fast food giant was contacted for further comment.