PLANS to build a new KFC store on the edge of Ilminster have finally been submitted.

The News revealed plans to build the new fast food branch in May, and a planning application was submitted within a fortnight.

The application has now been validated by South Somerset District Council, and a decision is set to be made in November.

If successful, the KFC will be built off Southfields roundabout, operating in the former Little Chef site.

A spokesman for Euro Garages, which owns the restaurant and Shell sites, said: “The Little Chef closed at the end of January and has been operating as EG Diner since then.

“The Burger King will remain and KFC will move into the former Little Chef area. All existing staff will be given an opportunity to continue working at the site under the new brand and we will also be creating new jobs to around 45 positions in the new KFC.”

Rumours of the fast food brand’s expansion plans sparked after job adverts appeared online.

Posts for a retail/catering store manager have been posted on totaljobs.com and Linkedin recently.

On the job advert, a spokesman said: “Our client is expanding in the UK opening stores just around the corner from you.

“They are looking for a restaurant general manager who is as passionate about customer service and food as they are to lead the team.

“Candidates must be able to get to and from the Horton Cross store on A358, Ilminster.

“This store is operated by one of the UK and Europe’s largest privately-owned forecourt retail operators.

“They have strategic brand partnerships with leading high street retailers and restaurants.

“With more than 700 sites across the UK, and growing, career development is a very real possibility with them.”

Euro Garages, which have partnerships with Shell, Burger King, Little Chef and KFC, currently operate the Southfields site.

A spokesman later confirmed that it was KFC set to be built in the area.

Ilminster is also set for a Costa after applications were submitted at the end of August for a drive-thru branch on the Southfield Enterprise Park.