Staffordshire could soon be welcoming its first Tim Hortons drive-thru restaurant.

Plans have been submitted for a drive-thru restaurant in Leek and the site has been linked with the Canadian fast food firm, which is known to be on a rapid expansion drive across the UK.

While the firm remained tight-lipped regarding possible plans to open in the town, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that they are gearing up to open on Mill Street on a vacant site that was previously earmarked for affordable housing.

A spokesperson for Tim Hortons said: "At this time we are unable to comment about a site in Leek."

They added: "We are though very happy to keep in touch should this change or we have any news to share with you."

Back in 2016, plans to open a 100-seat McDonalds restaurant and drive-thru in Leek split opinion in the town.

That application was ultimately thrown out by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council – having received 141 objection letters, and further 144 letters in support.

Having first opened in Ontario, Canada, in 1964, Tim Hortons has become renowned for its iconic 'Timbits' (doughnut middles) as well as premium coffee range.

The firm opened its first UK store in 2017, and its portfolio now includes almost 60 branches across the UK.

Tim Hortons has two stores in Chester and one in Wolverhampton – all of which opened in 2021.

A planning statement submitted as part of an application for the site said: "Planning permission has been previously granted at the site to erect 21 affordable apartments.

It added: "The previous consent has not been implemented. The redevelopment of the site for 21 affordable units is not financially viable.

"The redevelopment of the site for affordable housing will not take place. This will leave an undeveloped gap along a main route to and from the town centre.

"It is now proposed to develop the land to provide a drive through restaurant."

It says the access and exit of the new restaurant will be from Mill Street.

There will be a drive-thru, with hatches at the rear of the building located on the side nearest Wesleyan Court.

There will be seating inside the new venue as well as onsite car parking.

The planning statement said: "The building has been designed to follow the modern appearance of other drive through restaurants."

"The proposed use will also create employment opportunities."

The firm behind the application says it considered a number of other sites in the area before settling on this one.

The planning statement said: "There are no other suitable sites. Sites within the town centre are too small and do not have sufficient space for a drive through facility.

"Other sites have residential consents in place and are being sold as such.

"The only site that could potentially take the proposed use is a former garage site on Broad Street."

"The applicant has reviewed the site details and concludes that it is not suitable."

A public consultation on the plans closed on 1st April 2022.