The application for a KFC and Starbucks in Douglas is being held up while planning chiefs evaluate the potential effect on traffic.

The application (18/00977/B) was submitted on September 14, more than 250 days ago, for drive-through KFC and Starbucks stores along with a third building on Peel Road.

It is not known what the third building would be used for.

Since the bid was submitted by Buchanan Services Ltd with Cornerstone Architects Ltd acting as agents, the application has been subject to wide debate as to whether the island needs more fast food outlets and if the proposed location, the former Eurocars garage site, is safe.

Several objections have come from residents who were concerned about litter, healthy food choices and increased traffic. Concerns over the impact on the roads have led to the proposal being held up.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, which is responsible for planning, says this matter is being thoroughly evaluated.

A DEFA spokesman this week told the Manx Independent: ’The impact of the development on highway users is being considered in detail following the request for further information from the planning office.’

The potential for increased traffic entering and leaving the area was also of concern for the police, particularly if the traffic causes similar tailbacks to those at McDonald’s, which is only about 300 metres down the road. Police had no other concerns over the plans.

Director of public health Dr Henrietta Ewart has previously said she had concerns over the health implications for the island if the plans went ahead, given that ’60% of the adult population of the island are overweight or obese, as are 25% of our children at school entry’.

Dr Ewart added that there were ’many outlets within walking distance of Douglas schools and the proposed development will add to this’.

The Manx Independent contacted KFC, Starbucks, and Cornerstone Architects Ltd for an update on the application

Cornerstone Architects did not respond to our request for a comment.

A KFC spokesman told the Manx Independent the company did have a comment, however it had been unable to provide it at the time of going to print.

A spokesman for Starbucks said: ’I’m afraid we don’t have any information to share at the moment.’