A PUB could make way for a drive-through fast- food restaurant.

Developers want to build a 76-seater KFC restaurant to replace the Crown Hotel in London Road, Hadleigh.

Applicants Westbury Invest- ments also want to put a car wash on the site, which is opposite to a McDonalds.

Bosses claim it will create 18 full-time jobs and 23 part-time positions. Currently the pub only employs two full-time and three part-time members of staff.

But there are concerns about whether another fast-food establishment would be the best use for a prime town centre location.

Resident Peter Beech, 75, of Scrub Lane, Hadleigh, said: “We have got a McDonalds and two fish and chip shops already.

“It doesn’t seem an attractive proposition and it may have an impact on the businesses that are already in the town. It’s a lovely site, right in the middle of Hadleigh Town Centre, and I would have hoped they would find something more attractive for the site. We don’t want flats.”

Access to the area, which is surrounded by roads on both sides, will be from London Road only, with new pavement blocking access from the High Street.

The takeaway would open from 7am to midnight everyday while the car wash will be in operation from 8am until 6pm on a daily basis.

The number of car parking spaces would increase from 22 to 27.

Meanwhile, work on a plan for the future of Hadleigh is due to begin later this year.

Councillor Bill Sharp believes a decision should not be taken on any new developments before that plan has been finalised.

He said: “If you are looking to try and plan your future then it would be silly to give away a piece of land that may form an important part of that plan.

“It would appear foolish to give up what is a very large piece of land.”

The council must make a decision by July 21.