A new McDonald's drive-thru is set to open on the site of a former restaurant - as plans are recommended for approval.

Thanet district councillors are urged to give the green light to a proposal to transform the site of the former David Copperfield Harvester near Westwood Cross, Broadstairs, into a branch of the popular fast-food chain.

The David Copperfield closed its doors in April last year, and was snapped up by McDonald's soon after.

In August, the fast-food giant submitted plans to Thanet District Council to change the use of the building from a restaurant to a "hot food takeaway".

In documents, it outlined plans to partly demolish the existing building, and construct a single-storey extension.

The firm also hopes to alter the layout of the site by building a drive-thru, reconfiguring the car park and constructing a mini-roundabout.

While McDonald's originally hoped the site would be open 24/7, it has since changed the proposed opening hours, which would now be from 3am until 11pm every day.

Now, nine months after the plans were submitted, planning officers at Thanet District Council are recommending councillors approve the plans.

In a report set to go before a planning committee meeting on Wednesday, case officer Jenny Suttle wrote: "Overall the proposed amended development is considered to be acceptable in principle, and shall not be out of character with the commercial cluster to which it forms a part.

"The proposed development is considered to be suitably compatible with its surrounding environment, and shall not result in unacceptable harm to the living conditions of adjacent residential neighbours, subject to the conditions and restrictions agreed.

"The development is not considered to be likely to have a severe impact on the highway network, and will be provided with sufficient parking and cycle storage provision.

"It is therefore recommended to members that the development is approved, subject to safeguarding conditions."

"The new restaurant will employ on average 65 people..."

The plans are due to be discussed at the meeting, when councillors will vote on whether to approve the plans.

A spokesman for McDonald's previously told KentOnline how the new restaurant could bring as many as 65 new jobs to the area.

Speaking last June, they said: "We have acquired a site in Broadstairs which we plan to develop into one of our Experience of the Future restaurants.

"Like all our restaurants in communities around the UK, the new restaurant will employ on average 65 people and bring new investment to the local community.

"It's fantastic to be able to offer more jobs within the local area with great training opportunities for everyone.

"As one of the UK's largest employers, we're proud of the wide range of people who work with us, from students and graduates, to parents and grandparents as well as those interested in a change of career."

A number of popular fast food joints have opened stores across Kent after initially closing in March when lockdown began.

McDonald's, Burger King and KFC are among those who have welcomed back those craving their favourite tasty meals.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet