AFTER years of waiting for one drive-thru in Bicester, four could now open within a stone's throw of each other.

Plans have been submitted to redevelop Bicester Service Station, off Oxford Road, with Burger King, Leon and Starbucks all named in the application as possible occupants.

The proposal, put forward by Euro Garages Ltd, follows the town's first McDonald's being given approval late last year after months of pressure from residents.

The latest application seeks to redevelop Bicester Service Station site, which includes the Esso petrol service station, Burger King and, until yesterday, Little Chef.

If approved, the development would be built across from the planned McDonald's, on the opposite side of the Oxford Road.

The plans have so far met with a mixed response during the consultation process with many, including Bicester Town Council, agreeing the site needs updating.

But several objections have been lodged from nearby residents, developers and Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council officers.

The county council's response raises an 'inadequate' transport statement as the reason behind its objection and calls for more information.

It adds: "An assessment of potential drive through queue lengths is also absent and so risk of highway obstruction as a result cannot be considered."

It echoes a comment made by Cherwell District Council officer Jenny Barker which said: " The existing proposals show no links to enable access to the site for pedestrians and cyclists.

"Although it is stated that cycle parking is to be provided it is not evident on the site layout plans and should be sited where it is conveniently accessed secure and safe."

The plans propose the current restaurant building be demolished and two new drive-thru restaurants built, along with a new drive-thru coffee shop.

The companies that will take on these buildings are not confirmed, but artist's impressions within the planning application show Burger King, Starbucks and Leon in place.

The petrol station would be retained and would continue to provide four pumps for cars and two pumps for HGVs.

There would also be 62 car parking spaces, including four disability spaces, plus 10 bike stands.

Residents are among those concerned about traffic movements as a result of the proposals, most notably over possible plans to close the current construction vehicle entrance to Kingsmere that runs through the service station.

Kinsgmere residents association co-chairman, Graham Brogden, said: "Whilst I welcome the long overdue redevelopment of this blot on the landscape I object on the basis that I understand the contractors site entrance to Kingsmere will be closed during the course of

the redevelopment thus sending more construction traffic through residential areas.

"This is not acceptable and there must be a better solution to avoid putting lives at risk."

Another Kingsmere resident Dave Howard, commented online, saying: "The development is chaotic enough without allowing even more construction traffic to use established residential roads.

"Not only are lives put at risk but existing residents will, once again, be subjected to appalling environmental conditions, excessive mud and excessive noise."

To view the plans online search 17/01967/F on cherwell.gov.uk