Plans to demolish Bangor’s Topps Tiles store to make way for a new drive-through restaurant have been unveiled.

The planning application, submitted by Gastronomy Foods UK Ltd and stating KFC as the client, has been earmarked for the existing tile unit on Caernarfon Road, just off the A55 and near the city’s Tesco superstore.

If approved, the application states that 42 full-time jobs would be created with the 246 sq m restaurant open between 8am and 11pm, complimenting the already existing KFC restaurant on the city’s high street.

Proposing the Topps Tiles site, the planning application by Gastronomy Foods – a key KFC franchisee – states that other sites within Bangor were explored but were not proceeded with as they were unsuitable or did not have enough room for a drive-through facility.

“The national retailer is proposing a ‘drive-thru’ business model at the unit, which will operate alongside their existing non-drive thru outlet in the city centre demonstrating the retailer’s confidence that this unit will not have a negative impact on trade in the city centre,” note the supporting documents.

“The proposed unit will seek to optimise on the passing trade along Caernarfon Road, rather than be a destination in itself, as well as meeting a need for the lunchtime and dinner trade for employees and customers at nearby retail and employment units.

“The new store will allow the retailer to complement the surrounding out-of-town retail which exists in this location along Caernarfon Road, without compromising the vitality of existing A3 businesses within the locality.”

It goes on to note, “The new floorspace is estimated to accommodate in the order of 42 new jobs when operational.

“Additional employment opportunities will also be created for the local area through employment of local contractors and labour during the construction stage, plus further employment opportunities for ongoing maintenance of the site and landscaping.

“The applicant is proposing bilingual signage and menus to be used on site, encouraging the use of the Welsh Language on site.”

The fate of the existing Topps Tiles business has not been made clear, however, the company has been approached for comment.

It’s expected that Gwynedd Council’s planning department will consider the application over the coming weeks.