A bid for a KFC and Costa in Stroud is facing concerted opposition as planners weigh up whether to let the project go ahead.

The plans for conversion of the former Cotswold Indoor Bowling Centre, adjacent to the town's McDonald's in Merrywalks, also include a plan for five flats to the first floor of the redundant building as well as parking, in total, for 28 cars.

Proposals outlined by Dursley-based Elevation One Building Design seek to "enhance and preserve the nature and character of its surroundings, by bringing back into use a building that has remained empty for many years".

KFC has indicated that 30 jobs are expected from the development, of which 16 would be full-time roles at KFC.

Approval would allow Stroud's first KFC and the town's third Costa outlet, but the town has a history of fighting hard against such development. Fearing an attack on its green reputation, the McDonald's drive-thru and 85-seater eatery next door faced such stern opposition when proposed in 2002 that protest garnered national headlines.

Chief opposition to the KFC bid centres around traffic issues.

Stroud Town Council has told Stroud District Council that access to the site is already difficult and is seeking a left-turn-only restriction.

Pavement demarcation, uncertainty over parking for the proposed flats, recycling of waste provision and litter are also being flagged as a worry.

Businesses at the adjacent Maltings claim they would consider quitting.

The owner of one told planners: "Access will mean The Maltings building will lose all parking. 5 Valleys Physio will lose its parking for users and staff. The entrance will run in front of 5 Valleys Physio entrance steps causing a risk to staff and customers. The building work and construction vehicles will cause huge disturbance to my clinic and noise disturbance. Another fast food restaurant will degrade the area and ultimately cause our business to have to move.

"Please support 5 valleys physio and Gilmour Grey Limited over this application. I fear for my business if this goes ahead, as does our landlord."

Residential neighbours have also added their voices. 

"The traffic and emissions already increase when cars are turning to use the parking and drive- through at the current restaurant and an additional establishment would further increase traffic and congestion along the A46. Early morning deliveries, ventilation and air conditioning systems would increase noise pollution for new and current residents," said one, while another added that recorded particulate levels are already "illegally high".

Another pointed out that the space in front of the building is one that "the Air Ambulance currently uses... when tending to emergencies within central Stroud as it must be one of the flat sites in the town for the emergency team to land at".

The Environment Agency has meanwhile requested more information before it can be consulted for a flood risk assessment, saying information as yet is insufficient.