Delayed plans for new Burger King and Starbucks drive-thrus in Widnes finally look set to receive the green light, despite objections from local health experts over existing obesity levels.

The World reported earlier this month how a decision on an application for a development on the car park of Green Oaks Shopping Centre had been postponed by the council’s planning committee to enable members to visit the site. The committee had raised concerns about the impact on existing parking provision at the site on Green Oaks Way.

Now a meeting pencilled in for next week is expected to see the plans - which have been submitted by AIM Land Limited - finally passed.

If given approval as expected, it will see construction of two units sitting adjacent to each other in the existing car park. One would be occupied by fast food giant Burger King, and the other by US coffee chain Starbucks.

A letter submitted by planning agent Savills said it would create up to 24 full time jobs, in addition to jobs created during the construction phase. It would result in the loss of 207 existing parking spaces. Outline planning permission was originally granted in March last year for a drive-thru scheme with unnamed tenants.

Appleton ward councillor Angela Teeling has objected, citing traffic, parking, litter and impact on other town centre businesses.  In a letter, Cllr Teeling said: "Being close to the market, high street and other local businesses if built these will have a detrimental impact on the finances and footfall of the other establishments in the area."

Halton’s own public health team has also objected, stating that Halton, especially Appleton, adults and children have ‘severe obesity problems’. The team also said: "Drive thru’s not only provide poorly balanced food options but create an environment that supports reduced levels of physical activity."

According to NHS figures, 78 per cent of Halton adults are classed as overweight or obese, along with 41 per cent of children by year six.

A report to the committee said there was 'no evidence' to suggest that the proposal would be unduly detrimental to the promotion of healthy lifestyles to warrant refusal.

It added: "Whilst the end users offers healthier options, customers still have the option of meal choices which may run contrary to the public health agenda. "However, the causes of obesity are complex and multifaceted and include numerous social, economic, biological and environmental factors, not just the presence of drive-thru restaurants in the town.”

In response to concerns over impact on other business, it cited planning policy which stated: "The nature and role of town centres is changing, with retailing declining in relative importance and the role of leisure uses including food and drink increasing."

The meeting takes place on Monday at 6.30pm at Runcorn Town Hall.