MCDONALD'S is the new owner of the former Harvester pub in Perdiswell, and the fast food chain is now wanting to turn it into a takeaway and restaurant.

McDonald's says it will create new jobs for the community, but residents and councillors are already voicing concerns, particularly as the site is near a brand new primary school opening later this year.

If it gets the go-ahead it would be the fourth McDonald's in Worcester.

The Worcester News has been following the developments with the Droitwich Road site after the Harvester at the Droitwich Road site closed its doors in April.

A Certificate of Lawfulness application was recently granted by the city council - effectively a tidy-up exercise to confirm the Perdiswell House site can continue to operate as a restaurant - and now McDonald's has applied for A5 takeaway status and the installation of McDonald's signs at the site.

But a number of objections have already been submitted to the authority and Councillor James Stanley has told us he and ward councillors have concerns with it becoming a takeaway.

North Worcester Primary Academy is set to open at the former Park and Ride site in Perdiswell, a short distance from the new McDonald's.

Mr Stanley said: "Myself and colleagues are concerned, given this school is opening in September.

"This would not be sending the right signals, and we will be pressing this to the authority.

"We would expect a negative response from those living in the area."

Among the objections already on the site one resident said: "There is a real problem with obesity - does Worcester really want to keep promoting unhealthy eating practices?"

He added: "Living just behind this site, I object to the litter, smell and general disruption."

Residents have until June 27 to have their say on the signage application, on Worcester City Council's website.

A McDonald's spokesman said: "We have acquired a site in Worcester which we plan to develop into one of our Experience of the Future restaurants.

"Like all our restaurants in communities around the UK, the new restaurant will employ on average 65 people and bring new investment to the local community.

"It’s fantastic to be able to offer more jobs within the local area with great training opportunities for everyone.

"As one of the UK’s largest employers, we’re proud of the wide range of people who work with us, from students and graduates, to parents and grandparents as well as those interested in a change of career.”

A Worcester City Council spokesman said: "McDonald's has applied for A5 status, to become a takeaway.

"That application is being validated and there will be a consultation which will give residents and councillors the option to have their say."

The application is expected to go before the planning committee for a final decision.