PLANNING officers have recommended that plans to build a KFC in Farnworth should be approved.

The application will be heard as part of a planning meeting on Thursday January 10.

The plans are to build a fast food restaurant and drive-thru on the old clinic site at the junction of Albert Road and King Street.

According to the planning application, the restaurant will create 20 full time and 20 part time jobs.

Two letters of objection had been sent by nearby residents, opposing the plans and detailing concerns such as traffic, air pollution, noise and the impact on local health, but in the Planning Applications Report, the responsible planning officer made their recommendation to approve the plans subject to conditions.

The recommendation is made on the grounds that the restaurant would not harm the character and appearance of the area, would not result in adverse environmental impacts, would not unduly impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents, would not jeopardise highway safety or have a severe impact on the local road network, and would not increase the risk of flooding.

Councillor Jean Gillies, Labour ward councillor for Farnworth, said she is not strongly for or against the plans but can see the benefits it would bring.

She said: "I'm neither for or against but I do think we need investment in Farnworth.

"There's been a mixed reaction because people in Farnworth have previously said there are too many takeaways but in the same breath, they'll say a McDonalds or KFC would be great.

"It's good for jobs and somewhere for kids to see their mates. Obviously I wouldn't like it to be 24 hours because of lighting affecting nearby residents.

"I'm happy either way really."

Councillor Maureen Flitcroft, of Farnworth and Kearsley First, added: "I think it's a good thing for Farnworth town centre.

"I think a multi-national company like that coming to the town will attract others as well.

"The jobs are a big thing, especially if they're committed to employing local people.

"Hopefully it will help regulate the other takeaways in the town as well."

When the proposals were first announced in August, a poll on the Bolton News website asked 'Do you agree with the KFC plans for Farnworth?'

Of the 1,117 people that voted, 74 per cent said yes and 26 per cent said no.

A few local residents have also had their say on the 'Farnworth Town' Facebook community group.

Jo Margaret said :"If this brings in jobs to Farnworth then we have to acknowledge that they are much needed and hope they recruit locally."

Kellie Thain added: "Think the KFC will be great for our teenagers to go and meet up sit and chill, with friends also great for jobs."

While John Pitchford wrote: "Wonder how the proposed nursery at the side of it will feel."

The planning meeting will take place at 2pm, on Thursday January 10, in the Council Chamber.