A NEW Mexican restaurant and drive thru can be built in Odsal, despite fears it could lead to an increase in litter and anti social behaviour in the area.

Taco Bell has been given planning permission to open its first Bradford restaurant at 1 Odsal Road, next to a recently opened KFC.

The decision was made by Bradford Council’s Bradford Area Planning Panel yesterday, where members heard that the plans had led to a number of objections.

A spokesman for the company said the new restaurant would create 20 new roles, equivalent of 12 full time jobs.

The KFC plans had originally been refused by the Council over concerns about increased traffic at the site and how lighting from the building and car park might effect neighbouring homes. But that refusal was later overturned by a planning inspector.

Councillor David Green (Lab, Wibsey) spoke on behalf of objectors, saying: “There is concern about this new plan, as the operation of the KFC has not been without its problems. There is noise, traffic and litter - not just from the customers but also from staff. I’m constantly getting calls and emails from people complaining about the issues at the KFC.”

He claimed the problems caused by the KFC had proved the Council right in originally refusing the scheme, and said the planning inspector had not had to live with his decision to approve the takeaway.

Cllr Green added; “Being a planning inspector means you never have to say sorry. Experience on the ground is a lot different than the planning law the inspector used to overturn the decision.”

He pointed out that the new restaurant would be a very short distance from houses, and raised concerns over noise made by large waggons making deliveries as early as 6am.

Steven Simms, agent for applicants QFM, said the original plan was to build a two storey restaurant, but this had been changed to a smaller unit for “commercial reasons.”

He said the business would carry out at least four litter pics on the site and the surrounding area each day.

The committee them approved the plans.

The Taco Bell will have permission to open between 7am and 11pm, and receive deliveries from 6am.

The company has already been given a licence to sell alcohol and screen films at the restaurant.