A MAJOR coffee and food chain is planning on opening in Barrow.

An application has been lodged to give permission to open a drive-thru branch of Canadian chain Tim Hortons in the town.

Plans to erect signs for the restaurant chain in Hollywood Retail Park have been submitted to Barrow Council.

They suggest that the new restaurant would take the place of Pizza Hut.

Plans refer to the Pizza Hut space as 'vacant', however, the restaurant is still trading.

The chain is known for its fresh coffee and baked goods including doughnuts and already has nearly 5,000 outlets worldwide across 14 countries.

The first UK Tim Hortons opened in 2017 and there are now 28 outlets with eight more 'coming soon', according to the company's website.

According to the plans, work to install a drive-thru lane and make alterations to the site would take place if permission was granted.

A description of the plan submitted to the council said: "Full planning permission for the installation of a drive-thru lane and associated engineering works including minor alterations to car parking and servicing arrangements, relocation of the bin store and associated changes to landscaping.

"Demolition and alterations to the building and elevations including recladding and alterations to parapet roof.

"Advertisement consent for replacement signage."

Drawings submitted to the council show how menu boards and other signs and screens to be placed outside the restaurant would look.

Those visiting the drive-thru would be able to select their order and pay on a kiosk.

Plans say the number of parking spaces at the restaurant site would be reduced from 20 to 16.

And 26 square metres of floor space from the site would be lost.

Other fast food restaurants close by include McDonald's and KFC, which also site in Hollywood Retail Park.

Burger King sits across the road in Hindpool Retail Park.

Initially drive-thru only, it was able to open inside in May this year.

Pizza Hut has been approached for comment.