CAMPAIGNERS in Renfrew are celebrating after council chiefs unanimously rejected controversial plans for a new Burger King.

Hundreds of protestors were in a bun fight with the fast food giants, who submitted a proposal to build a restaurant in the car park of the Tesco store in Newmains Road.

Andy Faulds, who lives in nearby Hercules Way, started a petition against the planned development, with around 200 people adding their signatures.

Many residents also sent letters of objection to Renfrewshire Council, highlighting the potential for the restaurant to cause noise, litter and pollution problems.

Councillors have now rejected the application after deciding the plans would have a “detrimental” impact on the area.

Mr Faulds said it is a “victory for the people” but fears Burger King may lodge an appeal against the decision.

He told The Gazette: “I am absolutely buzzing that the council listened to us and turned down this application.

“It would have caused so many issues with parking as it is already so busy, especially when something is happening on the playing fields nearby.

“We were worried about noise and pollution as well.

“Renfrew is better without this sort of development. I spoke to a councillor after the meeting who seemed fairly confident Burger King wouldn’t appeal. You never know, we will have to wait and see.

“It is great the council listened, though, it’s a real victory.”

If the application had been approved, the new restaurant would have taken up around 60 parking spaces at the Tesco store.

Agents at Dovetail Architects had argued that Burger King is a “significant employer” and would have taken on 40 members of staff at the Renfrew business.

A council spokesman said: “Having considered the proposals and taken into account the objections received from the public, the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board decided the proposed drive-thru restaurant should be refused on the grounds it would have a detrimental impact on amenity of the surrounding residential area.”

No-one at Burger King was available for comment when contacted by The Gazette.