Fakenham’s Morrisons petrol station refurb housing Burger King and Greggs would be twice as big and create 30 full-time jobs

A petrol station revamp, which could bring two fast food giants to a town, would see its building more than double in size.

Proposals to demolish and rebuild the Morrisons garage on Clipbush Lane in Fakenham were submitted to North Norfolk District Council back in February, with plans to house a Burger King and the town’s second Greggs branch inside.

In the latest revised layout, plans show that Motor Fuel Group, the company which operates the site, hopes to make it nearly three times as big as it currently is.

As it stands, the sales building has an external area of 105 square metres and an internal area of 93 square metres.

If approved, the reconstructed site will have an external area of 295 square metres and an internal area of 280 square metres.

According to the plans, 195 square metres will need to be cleared to create the space, meaning some trees, hedges and shrubbery will be cut back on the land.

It is said by Rahma Dwimunali, the development’s planning consultant from CarneySweeney, that it will enhance what the site already offers and “create wider local economic benefits” by generating the equivalent of up to 30 full-time jobs.

However, the possibility of the chains coming to town has sparked mixed reactions from residents.

While some took to Facebook welcoming the idea, saying it is “the best news ever”, others are not so sure, insisting “Fakenham needs more than just restaurants and fast food”.

One labelled the town “the burger capital of Norfolk” after its first McDonald’s was approved last month, and an independent burger venue, Fat Cow, lodged plans for expansion.

Despite concerns, planners say it would not adversely impact neighbouring amenities.

“The proposed area will be well-lit and does not raise any concerns from an anti-social behaviour/natural surveillance perspective,” Ms Dwimunali’s report added.