Plans to open a brand new McDonald's drive-through, which could potentially create 65 full and part-time jobs, will be discussed at a council meeting.

The fast food chain is hoping their application to build a two-storey restaurant on the site of a derelict former petrol station in Lowestoft will be approved at a planning meeting of Waveney District Council next Tuesday, September 18.

The planning document to be discussed by councillors states the proposed site, opposite the Spring Tide pub on Kirkley Rise, is 'in need of physical regeneration and improvement', with the proposal seeking approval for a patio, playframe and a 47-space car park alongside the restaurant.

Lowestoft Town Council considered the application earlier this year on July 10 and recommended support of the application provided bins and electric charge points were provided on site.

After concerns were raised over the possible impact of the new McDonald's on the existing restaurant on London Road North, the fast food chain said there were no plans to close that store linked to the new Kirkley Rise venture.

They said: 'The future of the existing store is independent from the result of this application as each restaurant operates within its own market. 'There are numerous examples of drive-through restaurants operating in a similar juxtaposition in towns and cities across the country.'

The application also states that there will be 'no material impact' on the operation of the roundabout opposite the site, beyond the standard variation in traffic flow.

However, neighbours close to the site have voiced their objections, raising potential issues around public health, pollution and traffic.

One neighbour said: 'Studies have shown that there is a connection to be made between these fast food outlets and junk food in the poorer areas of our towns and the consequent high level of ill health. Kirkley is a relatively poor area.

'Judging by observation I would say that this is a particularly serious problem in Lowestoft and the surrounding areas.'

They added: 'A development of this kind will already make a bad traffic situation and its associated pollution worse. There is of course also the traffic flows that will be associated with the Third Crossing when it is finally built.'