Plans to open a Taco Bell in Ravenswood's former Frankie & Benny's have been approved by the borough council.

Taco Bell, an American chain specialising in Mexican food, submitted plans in September to take over the former Frankie & Benny's unit in Edith Cook Way in Ravenswood, Ipswich.

This will be the second Taco Bell to open in the town, following on from the Anglia Retail Park branch.

Frankie & Benny's and the neighbouring restaurant, Chiquito, closed in September last year, with both units left vacant ever since.

In April this year, plans were submitted to Ipswich Borough Council to reduce the size of both units so that a drive-thru lane could be accommodated on each.

These plans were approved two months later.

Councillor Ruman Muhith had previously said: "It’s fantastic to see one of the vacant units in Edith Cook Way being filled by Taco Bell.

"After being empty for over a year, bringing new life to this space is a positive move for Ravenswood and Ipswich."

The store recently opened its first location in Anglia Retail Park in October.