A new Taco Bell drive-thru could open next to what is set to become a town’s fourth KFC.

The Mexican-inspired fast-food giant hopes to launch its first site in Ashford on the Waterbrook Park development – a mix of housing and businesses off the A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road in Sevington.

If proposals press ahead, the restaurant will go next to the new KFC drive-thru and opposite the town’s second Aldi supermarket, both of which have been approved but are yet to be built.

Planning papers lodged with Ashford Borough Council (ABC) show architects hope to move the KFC slightly to the left to make way for the proposed Taco Bell.

Both chains, which would be open from 11am to 11pm, would share a car park and access from the roundabout connecting Waterbrook Avenue to Arrowhead Road.

A path will also be in place from the Waterbrook Park roundabout, and future pedestrian access will be provided from the forthcoming residential development.

Cycle locking stands will also be available for the public as well as outdoor seating areas.

The brownfield site - which is close to the Ashford International Truckstop - is currently vacant, having been previously used to store construction material.

A giant warehouse linked to distribution giant Amazon was also approved for 18.5 acres of the site in January 2021.

Taco Bell is expanding rapidly in Kent with new stores in Dover, Folkestone, Tonbridge and Canterbury in the past 18 months.

Proposals for the nearby Aldi supermarket were also approved in November but it is unclear when building will start.

An Aldi spokesperson said the firm remains “fully committed” to opening the new store but the site is “bound by restrictions” currently preventing development.

They added: “We are working closely with the landowner and with ABC to find a way forward that allows us to commence development sooner - we will keep the community updated.”

Responding to Aldi’s statement, a council spokesperson said: “The restriction refers to an obligation in a section 106 agreement that prevents Aldi from opening there until a proposed local centre at nearby Finberry has been delivered.

“This was to avoid the opening of Aldi impacting potential foodstore/other retail services at Finberry which would undermine the sustainability of the development.

“As noted by Aldi, we are working closely with them and the landowner to find a way forward which will allow their development to commence.”