NANDO’s is on its way to Trafford after the restaurant chain revealed plans to convert a former Pizza Hut in Stretford into a new home for its famous peri-peri chicken.

The global restaurant chain is seeking permission from Trafford Council to transform the empty outlet, next door to Costa drive-thru, at the White City Retail Park on Chester Road.

If planning permission is granted, the new restaurant would create up to 20 jobs.

Blueprints show that the White City unit, which has been vacant since Pizza Hut closed in December 2014, will undergo a complete transformation.

Planning documents confirm that the existing car park will remain untouched and the new restaurant will benefit from an external seating area.

The drawings have been filed at the town hall by James Maule – Ffinch on behalf of Derwent Holdings.

A planning document states: “There will be internal works including extensions – and external changes to improve the unit, which will better reflect the Nando’s trading format.   

“The current roof and its façade is reflective of the age of the building and the former occupier – and because of this it has proved to be difficult to re‐let.

“It is only through this proposed reconfiguration that this new letting has been secured.”

According to planning documents, Nando’s considered alternative sites in Trafford, including Gorse Hill, Trafford Bar and Stretford Mall.

But planners considered White City the “ideal trading location”.

There are currently 30 Nando’s restaurants within the Greater Manchester area.