Plans for a new Tim Hortons fast food restaurant and drive-thru in Broadstairs have been backed by council officers.

The Canadian chain launched its first eatery in the UK in 2017 and has continued to expand, with 29 units across the country and more opening soon.

A bid was submitted last year to Thanet District Council to open a new branch at Broadstairs Retail Park in Westwood.

The new restaurant will be Kent's first Tim Hortons if approved by the local authority, and would create 30 full-time jobs and 40 part-time jobs

It would be based in Margate Road, opposite the Tesco store.

The proposed coffee shop opening hours would be between 6am and 11pm, seven days a week.

The developers say: "Tim Hortons opened its first store in the UK in 2017 and (at the time of writing) has 29 units across all four countries of the UK, with more opening soon.

"Its current focus is to expand its drive-thru model across the UK, including at the application site.

"The Tim Hortons offer is different from that provided by the likes of McDonalds, KFC and Burger King and is comparable to that provided by coffee shop operators such as Costa or Starbucks, with a substantial part of the offer comprising hot and cold beverages and bakery goods, including an extensive choice of donuts.

"The hot food offer includes paninis and ‘melts’, as well as hot sandwiches and wraps, again similar to other coffee shop operators."

Tim Hortons was founded in 1964 in Ontario, Canada, and has more than 4,500 stores in the North American country.

Known affectionately as Timmy’s, it is famous for its fresh coffee and baked goods and is visited by more than 5.3 million Canadians daily - about 15% of the population.

The 2,800 sq ft coffee shop would accommodate seating for about 96 customers, together with a waiting and queuing area, customer toilets and kitchen area.

A planning officer for TDC wrote: "Overall it is considered that the economic benefits to the town centre from the erection of this additional restaurant unit are considered to outweigh the limited environmental harm.

"As such, it is recommended that members approve the application, subject to safeguarding conditions and the signed legal agreement securing the electric vehicle charging spaces."

The application is due to be discussed tonight (Wed) by TDC's planning committee.