FAST food giant McDonald's is eyeing-up a move to Hexham after plans were submitted to open an outlet on a prime site in the town. 

Developers have applied to Northumberland County Council to build a 110-seat restaurant and drive-through at the former Bunker Site, at Alemouth Road. 

The site already has planning permission for a mixed-use scheme, after proposals for a new food store and hotel were given the go-ahead earlier this year, along with outline permission for A1 to A4 retail units and for two class E retail units.

In a planning statement, Union Property Services said the economic environment had changed significantly, and the proposed new McDonald's would replace the retail units. 

It is expected that the plans, which would include dedicated car parking, would lead to the creation of 65 jobs. 

The news comes just a month after the Courant reported that Esh Construction had been handed the £10 million contract to build a 69-bed Travelodge, a Lidl store, and a 250-space car park at the site.

Known as the Bunker site, it was converted into a nuclear bunker by the government in the 1980s, but has been redundant for many years. 

Back in March of this year, McDonald's confirmed plans to open an outlet at Low Prudhoe. 

McDonalds has been contacted for comment.