Plans for a new Burger King on the outskirts of Carlisle have been unanimously approved today by the city council.

The move will see the construction by Custodian Real Estate Investment Ltd of a new restaurant/takeaway, drive thru and customer car park on a 2,500 sq. ft. site across an application area of 0.28ha at St Nicholas Gate Retail Park on London Road.

New outdoor seating will also be provided adjacent to the eastern elevation with the main customer entrance to face other retail units on the park. Two new EV charge points are also planned to cater for the growing demand for retailers to offer sustainable power facilities for customers.

Upwards of 30 jobs, including five managerial roles, are expected to be created when the site eventually opens providing a welcome employment boost for the local community.

The park is already home to current occupiers B&M, Poundland, Iceland, Halfords, Oak Furnitureland and The Gym Limited.

A key feature of the scheme is development will be delivered within a sustainable location, which is in keeping with the character of the surroundings while enhancing the retail and eatery offer within an established retail park.

Planning approval follows a public consultation that revealed local people were generally in favour of the burger chain’s ambitious to expand its regional operations.

Alex Franklin, senior planner at Hedley Planning Services, who has overseen the application, welcomed the decision. He said: “This development, which represents good use of brownfield land in a sustainable location, will provide a popular fast food outlet for local people to enjoy. It will also contribute to the vitality and vibrancy of the retail park, as well as providing employment opportunities.”