A Five Guys restaurant could be coming to Lancashire after a planning application has been submitted.

The American company, known for its customisable hamburgers and French fries, has set its sights on a building in Preston and submitted a planning application to the city's council.

The location of the proposed new restaurant has also been confirmed, with the company hoping to take over a former Frankie & Benny’s site at Deepdale Retail Park.

If the plans are approved, it will be the first Five Guys branch to open in Lancashire.

The planning application statement said: “The application site is an existing standalone restaurant unit located in a central area of the Deepdale Retail Park, to the east of Preston city centre.

“The retail park is accessed from Blackpool Road and parking, for customers and servicing, is provided on site.

“The retail park benefits from good pedestrian links from the shopping park to the surrounding neighbourhoods.

“The site is not listed or within a Conservation Area and is not subject to any further planning designations.”

The report also lists proposed changes the company wish to make, including aesthetic alterations.

The report said: “The proposal seeks the installation of a new door located on the southwestern elevation. The new door will allow for a more efficient and streamlined access point for servicing the restaurant. 

“The installation of the signage will stand to promote Five Guys’ presence whilst ensuring a high quality and uncluttered appearance.

“Further, the introduction of Five Guys’ synonymous branding on the unit and in the seating, area will enhance the vibrancy of the leisure park, enticing visitors to the park and restaurant.

"The signs, which are illuminated, include subtle illumination and is consistent with signage at surrounding buildings and illumination previously approved at this site.”

Rumours of a Five Guys opening in Preston started in February, when the fast food chain started advertising job opportunities on its website that appear to be linked to a new store in Preston.

Five Guys has more than a 1,000 venues worldwide and more than 100 in the UK.

It has 11 venues in the North West but none currently in Lancashire; six are in Manchester, two are in Liverpool, two are in Cheshire and one is in Ashton-under-Lyne.