CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a KFC fast food restaurant in Prestwich have been approved.

The restaurant, which is set to create 50 jobs, will be located at the junction of Bury New Road and Kingswood Road, next to Prestwich Post Office.

The plans were approved at a meeting of Bury Council's planning committee, where eight councillors voted in favour and four voted against.

St Mary's representative Cllr Jane Black, who sits on the planning committee, voted against the plans, citing concerns about possible traffic problems.

She highlighted concerns about possible impact on neighbouring roads, as motorists travelling from the south will not be able to turn right into the site, and may instead have to travel further down the road and turn around.

Cllr Black said: "I voted against because of the number of concerns that have been expressed by residents in my ward, and particularly about the 'left in left out' proposals.

"This could lead to traffic detouring around nearby roads, particularly Kingswood Road, and there are a lot of parking problems there already."

Sedgley representative Cllr Noel Bayley said he had concerns about possible traffic and litter problems, but welcomed the jobs boost.

He said: "We are aware that there has been objection to this from people in the community, and obviously we have taken that on board, but we can't lose sight of the fact that it will bring jobs to the local area."

In a planning report, KFC said the restaurant would employ 18 full-time staff and 32 part-time staff, and will include parking spaces for 28 cars.

It will include a drive-thru, and will open from 7am to 11am on weekdays, Sundays and bank holidays, and from 7am to midnight on Saturdays.

A spokesman for KFC said: "We are pleased to announce the opening of a new drive-thru in Prestwich in 2015, and in the meantime we will work closely with local residents to ensure that any concerns are addressed.

"The new store will be a positive addition to the local community creating approximately 50 career opportunities, and we look forward to welcoming customers into the store next autumn."