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Spring Farm will soon have its first fast food restaurant. A new KFC was approved at last night’s Camden Council meeting. This will be the fourth KFC restaurant in a five kilometre radius – alongside KFC Narellan, KFC Mount Annan and KFC Narellan Town Centre. The restaurant was given the green light after lengthy and heated debate. Councillor Michael Morrison asked for the 24-hour operating hours to be reduced to 10am to 10pm. “The KFC’s in surrounding areas only operate from 10am to 10pm – in some cases 12am,” he said. “I appreciate why an outlet of this size would want to operate for 24 hours but it is important not to disrupt the community too much.” All councillors agreed the hours of operation should be reduced. Camden mayor Lara Symkowiak said this was a “good compromise”. “[The hours of operation] are in line with other restaurants in the local area,” she said. Spring Farm resident Bonnie Gilleland spoke against the development at the council meeting. “I am here to represent many Spring Farm residents who are against a fast food vendor being built in Spring Farm,” she said. “We don’t believe another KFC is necessary.” Ms Gilleland said residents were primarily concerned about litter, odour and increased traffic in the area, along with the health of the community. “Once one [fast food restaurant] comes another will want to come as well,” she said. Councillor Cindy Cagney said litter from Camden McDonald’s could be seen throughout the Camden town centre. “’Maccas rubbish left in the gutter has been a problem in Camden,” she said. “[Spring Farm] is a small residential area and I agree with the resident, once one comes the rest will want to come. “Look at Mount Annan – you could call that Cholesterol Corner.” In fact, a new McDonald’s restaurant has been proposed for the area adjacent to the new Spring Farm KFC on Richardson Road. Modern-day Macarthur has become a haven for major fast food chains with 14 McDonald’s restaurants (eight in Campbelltown alone), 10 KFCs, six Hungry Jacks’, four Red Roosters and two Oportos setting up shop in the region. Cr Peter Sidgreaves said it was up to residents to make healthy choices for their families. “I have four daughters and we do not go to KFC or McDonald’s regularly at all,” he said. “It’s a choice. “As for the rubbish, that is not the company that is our residents. “Some strategically placed bins may help that.” Cr Sidgreaves also said the restaurant would provide employment opportunities for residents. The location of the new KFC is 230 Richardson Road, Spring Farm. The restaurant will have a seating capacity for 38 patrons, have 19 car spaces and will operate from 10am-10pm, seven days a week.

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