PLANS for a KFC in the city centre look set to be rejected by council planners.

The popular fast food restaurant would have opened in an empty space in The Cross but a substantial list of objectors look to have put a huge nail in the coffin for those hoping for the city centre’s first KFC.

West Mercia Police called the plan a “recipe for disaster” and expressed concern that opening a new KFC would only increase crime and disorder in an area that already suffers from high levels of crime.

Police were also worried that it would increase congestion around the taxi rank and congest the pavement further for people with pushchairs and on mobility scooters.

The comment made during the application’s consultation said: “Angel Street and The Cross suffer the highest levels of crime and disorder within the city.

“I believe that this premise could only contribute further to those issues. I also believe there may be issues outside the night time economy that could affect the area.”

Public Health bosses at Worcestershire County Council were concerned a new KFC would be another takeaway in an area heavily concentrated with fast food outlets and shared the police’s concerns that it would add to crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour in the area.

Of the plan, Public Health said: “The presence of another fast food outlet which could potentially exacerbate existing crime and alcohol concerns, particularly if opening hours mean that this hot food takeaway is visited leaving pubs and clubs at night.”

Neighbouring charities Worcester Municipal Charities and The Hopmarket Charity in Foregate Street both strongly objected to the plan fearing a new KFC would add to late night noise, litter and antisocial behaviour.

The Hopmarket Charity said a new KFC would “only make matters worse for those living and in business in this central area of the city.”

City council planners will decide on the application at a meeting next Thursday (September 20).