Plans to expand a drive-thru at one of Kent's busiest McDonald's restaurants have been approved.

Bosses at the Westwood Cross branch in Margate Road, Broadstairs, have won permission to increase the number of lanes available for hungry motorists.

An application sent to Thanet District Council in May set out proposals to change the layout of the car park and drive-thru.

Currently two very short lanes filter into one as drivers pass by the ordering windows at the restaurant.

The number of lanes will be increased to three, with their length extended, but again merging into a single lane.

It will involve the removal of the car parking spaces on the side of the building near Lidl.

A council planning case officer stated in their report: "This is considered to be a moderate alteration to the existing layout which is not considered to be detrimental or out of character with the application site or the wider area."

The applicants state there will be a loss of 16 parking spaces to make way for the expansion, bringing the total number down to 59, including four disabled spaces.

Kent County Council (KCC) requested a survey to investigate the impact the reduction could have.

"This survey demonstrates that the remaining 59 parking spaces at the site...are sufficient to accommodate peak parking demand on Fridays and Saturdays and there would be no overspill parking or impact upon the access," the case officer added.

"KCC Highways have reviewed the submitted information and are satisfied that the remaining 59 parking spaces will be sufficient to accommodate parking demand at peak times.

"KCC Highways have raised no objections in respect of highway matters.

"The proposed works will be a moderate addition to the existing arrangement and are considered unlikely to materially increase the vehicular movements associated with the existing restaurant and takeaway use.

"As such, the proposed development is considered to be acceptable in terms of highway safety and amenity."

The plans were approved by the council on August 19.

A McDonald's spokesperson said: "Work at our Broadstairs restaurant will begin on September 6.

"The drive-thru will undergo an exciting refurbishment, which will see the addition of some new digital features and an improved layout to speed up service.

"During the refurbishment the restaurant will remain open for eat in, take away, Click and Serve and McDelivery with drive-thru returning in mid-October."

The branch is run by franchisee Paul Crocker, who operates 18 McDonald's restaurants in the area, including the one in Westwood Road.

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