A new branch of global fast food chain McDonald's is on its way to an east Suffolk retail park and is set to occupy premises that used to be a bike shop.

The former home of Evans Cycles at Martlesham Heath is being earmarked for the new restaurant, which is set to bring significant investment and job opportunities to the area.

In October, East Suffolk Council gave property company LondonMetric Saturn the go-ahead to turn the unit into a restaurant, enabling McDonald's to move in.

READ MORE: Former Evans Cycles in Martlesham to be drive to restaurant

Subsequently, further plans have been submitted to the council to install the McDonald's symbol, a yellow acrylic golden arch, on the building, along with another sign bearing the word 'McDonald's' in white acrylic text.

In a supporting statement with the latest application, which is yet to be approved, the applicant's agents Lichfields said the signs complied with national planning policy and would make a "positive contribution" to the retail park.

The statement said: "The proposed signage is appropriate in this location and will support McDonald's commercial use of the unit at Unit 1A, Spenhill Retail Park, with no adverse impact on visual amenity or the character of the area."

READ MORE: Martlesham news 

The bike shop, situated next to Topps Tiles, Wickes and Tesco, announced it was closing on May 14 due to a reported rental disagreement.

In October, Lichfields said the aim was to create a 'drive to' restaurant with an eat in section and a delivery counter for customers to collect orders.

The agents said the 732sqm restaurant would include a dining room with space for 150 diners, a counter for 'drive to' services, a kitchen, bathrooms, a store room with chiller and freezer, a crew room, office, plant space and service corridor.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We continue to progress with our application for a new restaurant in Martlesham, which will bring significant investment and job opportunities to the local area.”

Another McDonald's is currently under construction at the Copdock Interchange on the outskirts of Ipswich.