KFC is set to move back to Southend town centre following a four-year absence.

The fast food chain has been given planning permission to install new signs on the ground floor of 86 High Street.

It had operated a restaurant from the same building up until 2017.

Southend Council gave the green light for KFC to install two illuminated signs indoors earlier this week.

The plans also include a sign on the front which will feature the firm’s iconic logo and Colonel’s face. 

The application also included proposals for a new shutter system for when the restaurant is closed.

KFC has previously identified Southend High Street as one of a number of locations it wants to set up a new restaurant.

Its other sites in the borough are at the Greyhound Retail Park and in Progress Road in Leigh.

KFC has confirmed it is planning to open a restaurant in Southend High Street, with a spokesman saying: “Ho ho ho…that’s right – it’s not just Santa who’s coming to Southend-on-Sea over the festive period.

“Watch this space…the Colonel is coming to town.”

Numerous plans have been put forward to convert the use of 86 High Street, ever since fast-food outlet Dutch Fries moved out in 2019.

A number of applications to install flats in the floors above have been rejected by Southend Council amid concerns over the lack of space and sunlight.