A BRIDGE Street burger battle could begin within two months when a takeaway giant makes its way into the town centre.

Burger King will open at the former Woolwich Building Society site, next to Hancock and Wood, and opposite McDonald's after council chiefs gave plans the green light.

Blueprints to turn the unit into a fast food restaurant and takeaway were approved last Tuesday and development is set to start 'imminently'.

Designer Andrew Britsch, who has been acting as the applicant's agent, is confident Burger King will be able to compete and is welcoming the rivalry.

He said: "We have got planning permission now and I will be meeting with the company. It could be open within two months and will be different to the usual restaurants they have.

"My client has been looking for a location for quite some time and they were really keen on this one. The competition is good – it drives business."

Planning documents confirmed elements of the renovation work set to take shape.

A statement said: "The existing shopfront is retained and will be repaired and will be redecorated. Upper floor windows are to be repaired and redecorated."

The area on Bridge Street falls in a cumulative impact zone and the recommended 'terminal hour' for businesses will be 3am.

Vicky Simcott, principal officer for environmental protection, said: "A separate licensing application may have to be made for a premises licence to open after 11pm depending on the proposed opening hours of the restaurant.

"The applicant is advised to seek further advice and guidance on food safety and health and safety matters from the commercial environmental health team.

"Advice and guidance can be provided for a nominal charge and may assist the applicant with the smooth operation of the business."

However, Mr Britsch confirmed Burger King currently has no plans to extend its hours to later than 11pm.

"We won't be making an application at the moment, 11pm is fine for now," he added.

The closest Burger King to the town centre currently is in Winwick.