A drive-thru Burger King is set to be built at an out-of-town shopping centre.

Medway Council initially refused permission for the restaurant at Hempstead Valley near Gillingham in June last year.

But those behind the bid have now successfully appealed its decision.

The fast food chain is primed to go next to the multi-storey car park attached to the centre's Marks and Spencer store.

Councillors were informed of the Planning Inspectorate's decision during a special meeting of the planning committee last night.

Members originally turned down the plans over concerns about the impact on residents, litter and congestion.

The inspectorate concluded the building's design would be in keeping with the character of the mall.

It also felt it would not be harmful to highway safety or the free flow of traffic.

Additionally, it was not persuaded the plans would lead to more littering in the wider area.

The inspectorate also stated there was "unreasonable behaviour" in the decision-making process as the council didn't supply enough evidence to support the reasons for its refusal.

The authority was ordered to compensate the applicant, BAPT Ltd, with the cost of its appeal.

The figure of this is not yet known.

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