Fast-food giant Taco Bell looks set to add another restaurant to its Kent ranks by filling part of a former Debenhams.

The Mexican-inspired chain has submitted plans for a new site at Westwood Cross shopping centre in Broadstairs.

If given the go ahead, it would be the first time the American company, which has seven diners across the county, would set up shop in Thanet.

Founded in 1962, Taco Bell is known for serving foods such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos.

It has 137 restaurants across the UK and more than 8,200 worldwide in 32 countries.

The chain's application to Thanet District Council is for a restaurant at the former Debenhams site within the shopping centre.

It was revealed in 2021 the former department store of 16 years would be transformed into a complex with restaurants, bars and leisure offerings across the two-storey site.

It had been hoped, despite the closure of other stores across the country, the Broadstairs outlet could be spared.

But in January 2021 and after 243 years trading, Boohoo - which bought the retailer in a £55m deal - revealed it had no plans to keep any of its remaining Debenhams stores open.

Since its closure, brands such as Hollywood Bowl and the Riparo Lounge have now replaced it.

The latest plans for Taco Bell would see its restaurant open seven days a week from 11am to 11pm.

The 189 sq m unit would also provide 20 jobs in the form of eight full-time and 12 part-time job positions, with both eat-in and takeaway services on the cards.

A spokeswoman for Westwood Cross said talks over the restaurant are still in the early stages and the centre is currently unable to share more details.

Taco Bell has also been approached for more information.

Despite its existing seven restaurants in Kent, the company called it a day in Dartford and Tunbridge Wells earlier this summer amid financial difficulties.

It came following the collapse of the T Bello Group, under the umbrella of the Caskade Group, which went into administration in June and was the franchisee running both sites.