THE hotly anticipated arrival of a fast-food giant in Hereford could be a step closer.

Burger King has submitted an advertising consent application to planners for signage at the vacant former Lakeland shop in Commercial Street.

And an application for a change of use from retail to a hot food takeaway at the unit, which has stood empty since May 2018, was made in December last year.

A determination for that application is expected soon, and if successful the new restaurant could be open by late spring or early summer.

Burger King has said there will be 50 full-time employees and the restaurant will be open from 6am to 11pm seven days a week.