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Squatters have occupied a former factory in Fishponds earmarked by McDonald’s as a potential site for a two-storey drive-thru.

“Several” people are living inside the Old Tile Factory in Fishponds Road, having gained access to the building last week.

A notice on the main door to the site, signed by the occupiers, warns anyone who attempts to enter the property or remove its new tenants by force that they will face prosecution.

One of the squatters, who declined to give his name, said they intend to remain at the disused factory for as long as possible.

(Image: Dave Betts)

“We moved in last week,” the 53-year-old said. “There are several of us inside.

“We intend to live here. We oppose McDonald’s and we oppose their plans to convert this land into a restaurant.

“Some builders tried to get in through the back door but we stopped them.

“We had to move half-a-tonne of pigeon s*** when we arrived but there’s plenty of office space, rooms and a kitchen.”

(Image: Dave Betts)

The site was the subject of a six-day public inquiry in April and May, after McDonald’s appealed against Bristol City Council’s decision to reject plans for a new restaurant.

The fast-food chain wants to convert the premises into a 160-seater, two-storey drive-thru, which local campaign group Say No To McDonald’s In Fishponds (NoMacInF) object to.

Mike Jempson, chair of NoMacInF, stressed the occupation was not sanctioned by the group.

“NoMacInF has been made aware that the old Tile Warehouse on Fishponds Road has been occupied by persons unknown. We understand the police have been informed,” he said.

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“We wish to make clear that this occupation is not sanctioned by our group, and we regard it as an unfortunate move at a time when the Planning Inspector is deciding on the fate of the McDonald's application.”

The Planning Inspector retired to consider his decision on the future of the site after the inquiry concluded on May 2.

A decision is not expected before June 16.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a report of someone trespassing at the site was received on Tuesday but said it is not being dealt with as a criminal matter.

(Image: Dan Regan)

“It’s a civil matter because they have trespassed onto private land,” the force spokesperson explained.

“We did attend and have advised the owners of the site. We are monitoring the situation.”

McDonald’s’ plans for a two-storey burger bar in Fishponds were refused by Bristol City Council in February 2015 amid congestion fears and the site’s close proximity to a school.

The site is owned by timber suppliers Buildbase, who have been approached for comment.