Plans to build a new Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant on Norwich's ring road have met opposition from officers at the city council.

The fast food giant has submitted an application to Broadland District Council for planning permission to build the restaurant in Mile Cross Lane in Hellesdon.

KFC wants to knock down garages, former offices and a building formerly used for a social club to replace it with a takeaway restaurant.

But officers at Norwich City Council have lodged an objection to the proposal, with officers stating that: 'It is considered that the nature, location, scale, layout and siting of the use proposed in this location, outside any designated centre and on a major road junction within an employment area would not represent an acceptable form of sustainable development.'

They say the proposal goes against government statements encouraging sustainable development and goes against the Joint Core Strategy - a blueprint for development in and around Norwich.

But a planning statement, drawn up by KFC's Nottingham-based agents Capita Symonds, states there are a number of bus stops nearby and that the site is 'in an excellent location for customers to walk to or make linked trips to or from the nearby bus stops, shops and other facilities and for passing trade on the A1042.'

The restaurant would create 25 full-time and 20 part-time jobs and the proposed hours of opening are 6am until midnight every day of the week and on Bank Holidays.

The restaurant would not be accessible from Mile Cross Lane, but rather from Vulcan Road South.

Officers at Broadland are recommending approval, subject to a string of conditions including that development must begin within three years and that the sort of building materials used must be agreed by the council before work starts.

With regard to Norwich City Council's objection, officers said while 'regard has been given' to their comments, the issues raised did not warrant refusal of the plans.

Hellesdon Parish Council has supported the scheme.

Members of Broadland District Council's planning committee will make a decision on whether to grant the restaurant permission when they meet tomorrow (Wednesday).

• Are you battling against a planning application where you live? Call Evening News reporter Dan Grimmer on 01603 772375 or email dan.grimmer@archant.co.uk