DEMOLITION work has begun at a former burger restaurant ahead of the proposed opening of a Canadian fast food site. 

Tim Hortons has had plans approved for a new restaurant and drive-through on the site of the former Burger Brats restaurant on Miles Gray Road. 

Bosses at the Canadian fast food chain were unavailable for comment when contacted by the Echo, but it is believed the demolition is taking place ahead of construction starting on the new restaurant. 

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Tim Hortons will sit opposite the Pipps Hill Retail Park, and on the same road as the new St Hilary Retail Park which is currently under construction. 

In September council chiefs granted permission for the “demolition of the existing restaurant unit and erection of a drive-through coffee shop and restaurant”.

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Basildon Council leader Andrew Baggott was delighted to hear that work had begun on the site.

He said: “It is very, very good news.

“I know one of the problems with the burger restaurant was the location itself, because it is not near a hub of residences.

“But obviously they have seen a market they can tap into, and I will be very excited for people to try something new in the area.

“Of course, we now hope it isn’t too much of a long process, and that they can get up and running as quickly as possible.

“I wish them very well and the best of luck in getting it built. And we will look forward to seeing it open and what they have on offer to tantalise people’s tastes.”

Tim Hortons is a Canadian fast food chain that sells food from breakfast items, burgers, chicken tenders, and lattice fries as well as both hot and cold drinks.

Alongside the new restaurant and drive-through, there will also be alterations to the existing car park, access, and landscaping, as well as a new bin store and plant equipment.

This will be the second Tim Hortons branch in south Essex, alongside the branch in Lakeside.

It is unknown how long the demolition will take, or when the venue is expected to opens to the public.