McDonald's plans restaurant at A31 Picket Post

The company wants to create an outlet on the A31 near Ringwood by transforming the old Little Chef complex at Picket Post.

But the National Park Authority (NPA) has rejected proposals to build a drive-through lane and an outdoor seating area.

Last night McDonald's said it was reviewing its options, which included a revised scheme that aimed to placate the objectors.

Little Chef, which closed at the start of 2011, is currently empty and boarded up.

An application to turn it into a restaurant/takeaway was approved by the NPA last year.

However, a proposal to add a drive-through and other facilities was thrown out by the planning committee, against the advice of planning officers.

The decision is the latest blow to McDonald's and its attempts to expand in the Forest.

The company is seeking consent to build a restaurant and drive-through facility on the former site of the Red Lion pub in Commercial Road, Totton.

But New Forest District Council has received 50 objections to the application.

The Picket Post plan was rejected by just two votes.

Richard Frampton said the creation of a drive-through lane would destroy a buffer between the building and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and that large amounts of litter would be thrown out of car windows.

Fellow NPA member John Sanger added: “It would be naive to think that this scheme will enrich the community in any way.”

But Maureen Holding supported the proposal, saying the site was currently an eyesore.

She said: “I'm sure that a company such as McDonald's will co-operate with the NPA and help us achieve the things we want.”

A McDonald's spokesman said the project would create 65 full and part-time jobs.

He added: “We are reviewing our options but are confident we would be able to overcome concerns raised by members.

“We will look at increasing landscaping on the site and mitigating any impact on the surrounding area.”