PLANS to build a new McDonald's restaurant in Burnley have been welcomed as a boost for employment in the town.

The fast-food giant has submitted an application to open a drive-thru restaurant on the Asda car park just off Princess Way creating 65 jobs.

It will be the third McDonald's in the town and the second drive-thru.

In a design and access statement, the restaurant said they plan to recruit locally which would 'make a positive contribution to the social and economic value of the area'.

The restaurant will provide seating for 140 and a play area for children while the interior will have a 'distinct modern feel'.

They said: "The proposed development will provide more than 65 jobs for the community. Details have been provided on McDonald’s efforts to provide opportunities for skills and training through their internal management training programme.

"Staff are given the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications in hospitality, literacy and numeracy.

"The site represents an appropriate location for a drive thru restaurant, which will be well placed to offer refreshments to passing customers and those in the surrounding area."

Cllr Mark Townsend, Burnley Borough Council leader, said: "Obviously I welcome the jobs and they are recognised as a good employer.

"We do have to strike a balance with public health concerns but that is as much down to individual responsibility so on the whole I welcome the news."

The global chain recently announced it would offer thousands of employees on zero hours contracts the option to move to a fixed one with guaranteed minimum hours.

Cllr Wajid Khan, who covers the Daneshouse with Stoneyholme ward, said: "I welcome any investment within Burnley in particular my ward.

"We are a very pro-business council and this is about creating jobs.

"If McDonald's delivers its offer of putting employees on long term contracts it is a welcome move."

Fellow ward councillor Shah Hussain said: "I am surprised they are putting another drive-thru so close to the one in Sandygate but if they are creating jobs and employing locally it is good news.

Brian Hobbs, president of Burnley and District Chamber of Trade, said: "It is an investment in the town and it will be useful for workers at the new Technology Park."

A McDonald's spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that we are in initial discussions about a new restaurant on Princess Way in Burnley.

"If approved, the restaurant would create 65 full and part-time jobs and bring significant investment to the local community.

"We continue to work with the council on our plans."

The announcement comes as a new McDonald's opens in Rawtenstall on Tuesday.