Increased traffic, antisocial behaviour and litter are reasons residents are opposing a new takeaway in St Albans.

Oktay Ogredici has submitted an application to St Albans District Council to open a fast food store in Wycombe Place.

The shop in The Quadrant is currently vacant.

Neighbours opposing the application have set up a petition, which reads: "The local community of shops and residents are concerned that The Quadrant should maintain its Neighbourhood Centre identity and feel that another food outlet would be detrimental to our surroundings because of late night opening, foot fall, lights and litter."

Robert and Helen Little of Sherwood Avenue said they were concerned about increased litter and the lack of provision for extra off-road parking.

They said: "The current provision of takeaway outlets – notably KFC and Subway – already result in extremely large quantities of litter being deposited in local streets and front gardens.

"This burden of litter – which regularly attracts foxes, rats, crows, seagulls and other wildlife, looks unsightly and causes local households extra, unlooked-for work to clean up, which will only get worse if another restaurant is sanctioned.

"There is already a disproportionate number of food shops within The Quadrant parade of ‘neighbourhood’ shops.

"Not only does this make for monotony among the retail outlets, it may also adversely affect the ability of non-food shops to continue to trade – not least because the area may, in future, only attract those looking for food rather than other goods and services.

"Moreover, the cooking smells, fumes and potential for infestation from these food outlets may prove unpalatable to other traders."

Sandridge Parish Council has also submitted an objection based on the fact there are a "sufficient number" of hot food takeaways at the location and the change of use would result in an in balance of retail/food units and in increase in nuisance parking.

The plans are under consultation by the council. To view the petition, click here. 

What do you think of the plans? Leave a comment below or email charlotte.ikonen@london.newsquest.co.uk.