RESIDENTS in Abbey Meads were left reeling after a controversial application to build a drive-through McDonalds and Domino's pizza parlour got the thumbs up.

Last night Swindon planners thought the revised application from Henry Davidson Developments Ltd, who ditched plans for a KFC outlet and video store, was suitable for the plot of land off Pennine Way on the Northern Orbital Road.

The developer went back to the drawing board last month after meeting with residents and planners who were worried the scheme was too intensive for the area.

On May 15, the Advertiser reported how the original plans had whipped up a storm of protest in the area with residents concerned that a strip of takeaways would cause nasty smells, heavy traffic congestion, litter, noise and pollution.

A 254-signature petition was handed to the council, but it proved to be in vain.

The site, opposite Sandstone Way, was granted outline planning permission 11 years ago for commercial use a decision that limited the powers of councillors to reject the scheme.

After the meeting Tracy Goodwin, campaign group coordinator, said: "We are bitterly disappointed that the council made objections and then voted in favour of the application.

"We now have to live with the smells, noise and traffic which will all be exacerbated by this development we don't feel our objections have been answered.

"The developer made cosmetic changes to the application, but it doesn't solve the problems of nasty odours, noise or traffic. We want to be able to sit in our back gardens or our houses with the windows open and not be affected by the smells drifting across.

"There are also the problems of security and Pennine Way being used as a rat run, but we have got no choice but to get on with life now."

Justin Tomlinson (Coun, Abbey Meads) added: "The decision by the council is a disgrace. Public consultation has been ignored and residents have every right to feel frustrated."