A derelict former play area at Affinity Devon could be transformed into a new KFC drive-thru under plans submitted to Torridge District Council, with the scheme also promising new parking, landscaping and up to 50 jobs.
The application, made on behalf of Clokken Ltd, seeks full planning permission for a single-storey KFC restaurant with a drive-thru lane, car parking, hard and soft landscaping and associated works at Affinity Devon on Clovelly Road, Bideford. The planning statement says the proposed building would measure 205 square metres.
Planning papers state the site sits within the outlet shopping complex and covers part of the former Atlantis Adventure Park, which closed on October 31, 2018. Since then, the area has remained fenced off and vacant, with dismantled play equipment and other structures left on the brownfield land.
The supporting documents argue the development would bring redundant land back into use and add a new food and drink offer to an established commercial site. They also say the location is intended to serve a growing nearby population and capture passing trade from traffic already using the A39 Atlantic Highway.
According to the planning statement, the applicant expects the restaurant to create about 30 to 50 jobs. The application describe the proposed unit as KFC’s latest modern design, with on-site dining and takeaway service.
There is currently no KFC drive-thru in the immediate North Devon and Torridge area, with the nearest existing outlets said to be in places including Exeter, Bodmin and Plymouth.
The planning statement also says the scheme would include a drive-thru lane, one-way vehicle circulation, parking and landscaping, and argues it would sit alongside the existing commercial character of Affinity Devon and the wider Atlantic Park area.
