FAST food restaurant KFC has submitted plans to open a new branch in Bournemouth town centre.

The fried chicken chain wants to open a restaurant and takeaway in Westover Road, at the unit occupied by Italian restaurant Al Calamaro before it closed in October.

It would be the third KFC to open in Bournemouth town centre, with restaurants already based in The Triangle and Lansdowne.

According to a planning application submitted by Caskade Caterers, the proposed restaurant would provide seats for 135 people and employ around 35 full-time and part-time staff.

It is proposed that the restaurant and takeaway would be open for business from 10am to midnight on each day of the week.

Adam Beamish, of Beamish Planning Consultancy, has explained the proposals in more detail on the applicant’s behalf.

The plans are currently being considered by Bournemouth council’s planning department.

“The application premises are currently vacant, having previously been in use as a restaurant until September 2017, since when the premises have remained vacant, although the lawful use of the premises remains as a restaurant,” Mr Beamish wrote in a letter to planning officers.

“Immediately to the west of the site is the entrance to the former cinema, whilst to the east is Pizza Hut at no. 30 and Wagamama at nos. 31-32.”

Commenting on the proposed opening hours, he said: “The proposed opening hours of 10am to midnight are intended to represent an appropriate compromise between the commercial interests of the operator and the fact that the premises and its surroundings fall within the designated Cumulative Impact Area.”

No letters of support or objection to the plans have been submitted.

A number of KFC eateries in Dorset will open their doors to customers looking to learn the Colonel’s secret recipe on Saturday, March 30. Profits from the event will go to the KFC Foundation, which supports local charities passionate about nurturing young people.