PLANS for a fast food restaurant in Highbridge are one step closer to being realised after town councillors recommended the plans for approval. 

Applicant, Isleport Business Park submitted plans to Sedgemoor District Council to build a new drive-thru restaurant on land North East of its site on Bennett Road. 

At the planning committee meeting on Monday, councillors discussed how, if approved, the new drive-thru could have an effect on town centre cafes and how it could boost job creation. 

Members of the planning committee said they think it would be useful to hear from Highbridge Chamber of Trade and Commerce to hear their views on the project. 

If approved, the fast food branch will be built opposite Aldi and a Travelodge and will create 20 full-time jobs.

The plans have been a hot topic in recent weeks with many fast food giants expressing an interest in opening a restaurant on the site including McDonalds. 

But a spokesman for McDonalds confirmed the fast food giant has no plans to open a new store, despite expressing an interest to expand their operations in Somerset earlier this year. 

Councillors voted to support the application for approval on the grounds that the change is "in keeping with Sedgemoor District Council's Draft Core Strategy, keeping the land use as employment land" and would potentially provide "an additional amenity for local residents and employees of surrounding businesses."