McDonald’s unveiled fresh plans to serve food 24 hours a day at its latest drive-thru in the pipeline for Kent.

The restaurant is set to be built at Stop 24 services off the M20 near Folkestone, as part of a larger expansion scheme, including a Costa.

None of the current restaurants at the rest stop, such as Subway and KFC, currently open around the clock.

In a licensing bid to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC), the fast food giant said: “The availability of refreshment outlets within the services is expected and required by the general travelling public.”

The services enjoy a large footfall of truckers and holidaymakers en route to Dover Docks and the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone.

Addressing potential concerns over crime or disorder from an all-night drive-thru, it added: “The premises shall install and maintain a comprehensive CCTV system as per the minimum requirements of the police.

“All entry and exit points will be covered enabling frontal identification of every person entering in any light condition.

“The CCTV system shall continually record whilst the premises is open for licensable activities and during all times when customers remain on the premises.

“All recordings shall be stored for a minimum period of 31 days with date and time stamping.”

Furthermore, an application for signage for the new restaurant was approved last week.

The burger joint is part of an ambitious expansion plan by the station’s owner Channel Ports, which will see it operated by Road Chef.

KentOnline previously spoke to customers of the services, who questioned the need for a big-name brand.

Deal resident Alasdair Goulden said: “I can’t see the point in adding a McDonald’s and Costa to this location.

“It’s so close to Dover; realistically, who is going to stop here, whether they're leaving or heading to the port?”

A decision on the full planning application, including the construction of the drive-thru, is expected in the next few weeks.