PLANS for a second branch of a popular Italian restaurant to open will be decided on Thursday.

Pizzeria Donatello's has been a fixture on Orford Lane for more than 20 years.

Now it is planning to expand by opening a new eaterie in Fearnhead.

Members of Warrington Borough Council's development management committee are due to debate the application on Thursday.

Ward councillor Diana Friend has objected on the grounds there are already too many fast food vendors in the area.

The scheme would see the former Ladbrokes bookmakers at Fearnhead Cross turned into a Donatello Express.

The currently vacant 91.2sq m unit will boast a wood fired pizza oven and will largely cater for takeaways, although drawings do include some customer seating.

Five new jobs will be created as a result, with proposed opening hours of 5pm to 11pm between Mondays and Fridays and 12pm to 11.30pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

Application documents stated: "Donatello's has provided for the Orford and Warrington community for many years as a popular restaurant serving high quality pizza, pasta and antipasti restaurant meals.

"With the impact of the ongoing Covid pandemic, the family business is looking at ways to ensure it can thrive as a Warrington-based business, meet the changing dining needs of their customer base and to address what is likely to be an important growth in their business revenue from takeaway and home deliveries.

"Hence, the Donatello company has identified an ideal opportunity to create a high quality pizzeria takeaway food service from the vacant Labrokes betting shop premises within the Fearnhead Cross."

Donatello's set up a delivery service for the first time during the coronavirus pandemic, and it is anticipated that the new branch will help to continue this line of business when the restaurant is able to open as normal.

Despite the objection, the scheme has been recommended for approval.

Planning documents state: "The site is in Fearnhead Cross Neighbourhood Centre and the proposal is appropriate to the area and consistent with the nature and function of the centre.

"It is also in a sustainable location, accessible by public transport, walking and cycling with the availability of sufficient public car parking immediately to the front of the site and close by. Subject to the conditions recommended, the proposal

would not have a significant detrimental impact upon the amenities of any adjoining occupiers or nearby school children.

"It is therefore considered that the proposal accords with the relevant provisions of the Core Strategy and the application is therefore recommended for approval."