SCOTLAND’S first Popeyes restaurant can open in a retail unit on Sauchiehall Street, city planners have agreed.

A change-of-use planning application has been approved for 108 Sauchiehall Street, currently occupied by Pound Shop on a temporary rolling lease.

The Louisiana chicken chain recently opened it’s first UK venue, in London.

A statement included with the application explained: “Popeyes see Glasgow as being a key hub in the UK and are seeking to establish a store in this location to help continue their UK expansion.”

It continued: “The proposals will allow for occupation of the premises on Sauchiehall Street by an appropriate city centre use which will integrate well with the immediate area and help to diversify the offer and appeal of Sauchiehall Street.

“Restaurant operation will be a footfall driver in both the day and evening, which brings associated spin-off benefits to surrounding operators.

“This would be a welcome boost for this section of Sauchiehall Street which has faced significant challenges recently with the fire at Victoria’s nightclub in 2018 and the covid-19 pandemic.

“The proposal would therefore contribute towards improving the vibrancy, vitality and viability of this section of Sauchiehall Street.”

Popeyes is part of Restaurant Brands International Inc. which also includes Burger King and Tim Horton’s.