THE Pizza Hut restaurant at Chester Retail Park permanently shut its doors last week.

The closure came just days after a planning application to build a 'drive-thru' at the site was given the green light.

It is not yet known who will take over the vacant unit, but the retail park owner's redevelopment plans for the site were rubber stamped by Cheshire West and Chester Council on November 27.

The drive-through lane – resulting in the loss of 17 car parking spaces – will run around the back of the premises.

A new pedestrian island, allowing improved disabled access, will be built between McDonald’s and the unit formerly occupied by Pizza Hut, while two zebra crossings will also be created to the entrance of both establishments.

In a report recommending approval, council case officer Edward Shepherd said: “To create the drive through service area, the existing bin store would be replaced and bicycle parking moved to the east of the site. There would also be a new island added between McDonald’s and Pizza Hut as well as two zebra crossing areas to the south.”

The plans for the drive-through facility and associated works were amended following issues raised by the highways team.

The report states: “The site plan has been amended, with the pedestrian island widened between McDonald’s and Pizza Hut, allowing improved disabled access.

“Two zebra crossings have also been reinstated to the entrance of Pizza Hut and McDonald’s. The drive-through lane has been altered so that it snakes, making it longer, allowing more cars to be off the highway, preventing additional blockages.

“The bin store and cycle parking would be replaced, with new amenities to the east of the site.

“The highways officer has confirmed that, subject to a condition ensuring the works to the highway, bin store and cycle parking are installed prior to first use, and retained in place thereafter, there would be no objections.

“As such, the scheme is not expected to result in any unacceptable highway safety impacts.

“In this case it is considered that any additional traffic would be accommodated safely within the existing highway network and mechanisms have been taken to ensure improve physical accessibility and remove barriers to mobility, especially for disabled and older people.”