A former Frankie & Benny's at Tachbrook Park Drive is set to be knocked down and turned into two fast food outlets, after plans were signed off by the district council.

The closed restaurant at Leamington Shopping Park will be replaced by a KFC and possibly a Five Guys, the application submitted to Warwick District Council (WDC) revealed.

First submitted in 2021, the scheme will see two 'drive thrus' created - with the unit designed for Five Guys the larger of the two.

After the plans were signed off by WDC, a KFC spokesperson told Nub News: "The rumours are true, The Colonel is coming back to town. 

"We know we've got lots of KFC fans in Leamington and we've missed you! 

"We're busy getting our chicks in a row but we can't wait to see you all next year. 

"We'll be bringing buckets of your favourite fried chicken as well as more than 30 new jobs to the area!"

KFC looks set to come back to Tachbrook Park Drive (image by Alex Greensmith)

And while the planning application is clear that Five Guys would take over the second unit, a company spokesperson was less committal on the plans.

"Five Guys may be opening a restaurant next year in 2024," the Five Guys spokesperson said to Nub News. 

"Nothing is confirmed just yet."

The planning application - submitted by Standard Life Investment UK Real Estate Fund - said the 'drive-thru' lanes would not impact the rest of the car park.

It also said the takeaways would be open 24 hours a day.

Five Guys says plans are yet to be confirmed for the new store at Leamington Shopping Park (iameg via Five Guys)

"In terms of opening hours, as per the neighbouring McDonalds unit, this planning application seeks consent for 24-hour operation," it said. 

"Such flexible opening hours are sought for the benefit of shift workers and those working irregular work patterns, as well as passing traffic more generally. 

"Given the physical distance from any sensitive uses, this is not anticipated to raise any concerns in terms of amenity."

The plans also said the two eateries would create both "skilled and unskilled jobs" for the area.

See the full plans here.