PLANS to transform a former Wirral restaurant into a Nando's have been submitted for approval by councillors.

The popular restaurant chain, which specialises in chicken dishes, is due to open in the former Flank Restaurant at Marine Point in New Brighton in the New Year. No date has been confirmed yet.

Plans for external alterations as part of Nando's occupation of the premises include an 'enhanced' seating area, replacement plant, fascia signs, two internally-illuminated menu cases. The site will use the existing seating area layout and doorway entrance.

New planting boxes will replace the existing planting on the current boundary for the seating area.

A new kitchen extraction and air handling plant will be installed with heating, cooling and catering condensers.

According to plans, the broad layout of the premises will remain as existing, including the entrance to the building, the scale and setting of the outside seating area together.

Previous boundary details will be replaced with new planting boxes that are modest in size and are at a substantial distance away from the edge of the public highway.

A statement issued along with the planning documents to Wirral Council said 'The proposals reflect Nando’s significant investment into this new location'.

It added 'Nando's is a popular operator which will increase the footfall in the area, and solidify the area’s reputation as a leisure destination'.

The application statement continued: "The site is currently unused. Nando’s is a popular operator which will increase the footfall in the area, and solidify the area’s reputation as a leisure destination.

"This application seeks planning permission for a series of external alterations, the installation of roof plant and solar panels together with a series of replacement advertisements to suit Nando’s pending occupation of the existing restaurant.

"The application proposals complement the existing appearance of the restaurant and its setting.

"The proposals also reflect Nando’s significant investment into this new location and are considered to fully accord with national and local planning policies."

Last year, Marine Point, which is home to Costa, Iceland, Home Bargains, Hungry Horse, and the Light cinema, was sold by Aprirose to DS Properties for £44m.