Basildon looks set to get another Burger King in its town centre as plans have been approved this week.

The former Maplin shop at Westgate Shopping Park is set to be transformed into the popular burger restaurant as plans have been approved by Basildon Council.

The approved planning application seeks to install kitchen extraction and ventilation equipment, a timber rubbish enclosure and minor changes to the outside of the building.

Two Burger King restaurants are already open in Basildon, one at Pipps Hill and another in Eastgate shopping centre.

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An officer report said: "Whilst this will add further to the level of non-retail uses [within the] town centre, it should be noted that the unit is currently vacant, and the proposal will bring back into use this vacant unit.

"This proposal will provide a further facility/service use to customers within the town centre, helping to add to the vitality and vibrancy of this area of the town centre, as well as providing employment opportunities."

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Plans show there is set to be seating for 80 people in the restaurant.

In February 2018, it was announced Maplin had gone into administration, putting another 2,500 jobs at risk.

During the Covid pandemic, the former shop was used as a Covid jab centre to help the rollout of vaccines.