The residents were delighted when councillors spoke out against Kentucky Fried Chicken's plans for a site off Thamesdown Drive.

Swindon council's planning committee wanted to reject the plans so asked planning officers to bring forward a new report giving them legitimate grounds to do so.

Now those officers say there are no policy reasons that could stop a fast-food restaurant and drive-thru opening there.

But local people say the development would cause litter, noise and increased traffic in a residential area.

"My main concern is with the traffic," said Roger Arnold, of Cantelo Close, Ash Brake.

"The KFC would cause more traffic to cross over the junction on Thamesdown Drive, which is not controlled for a right turn.

"The speed limit on the estate is 20mph and children play outside. Residents know that but people coming in to use the drive-thru wouldn't."

Swindon Town goalie Rhys Evans has also spoken out against KFC's plans.

The new report on the plans says council policy allows the site to be used as a drive-thru.

It outlines the design of the development and impact of residential amenity as possible reasons for refusal but points out that these could be overcome by a revised scheme addressing the problems.

KFC's agent will provide two alternative layouts for the site in an attempt to do this and the planning officers recommend that the application is deferred again so one of these designs can be brought forward.

But Coun Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads), who has led the campaign against the plans, said he still wanted the application thrown out.

"The frustration is that planning law often takes precedent over common sense and residents made it crystal clear that common sense demands refusal," he said.

"At the last planning meeting officers advised that while councillors are minded to throw the plans out further work was required to find a watertight case for refusal.

"I understand this has been a challenge. But I will still be pushing for the planning department to refuse this application.

"I am sure this battle has some way to go.

"But that will not change the fact that this scheme is totally inappropriate for a residential area."

The plans will be considered at 6pm on Tuesday, July 5, at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street.