It looks like a Mexican fast-food chain will be opening in Watford.

Global chain Chipotle, which currently only has its UK branches in London, looks to have identified an empty space in the high street.

The American-based dining restaurant, which specialises in burritos and tacos, is set to be situated opposite the atria Watford shopping centre extension entrance.

Drawings published on Watford Borough Council's planning portal this week show the Chipotle branding on the ground floor of a property which is also set to be redeveloped into flats.

In June 2021, the council granted permission for 32 flats on the site of the former Entertainer toy store. The Entertainer now operates inside atria.

The existing building in the high street, to the left of Five Guys, has been demolished with the new building rising to eight storeys with a commercial unit on the ground floor.

Related: Council grants permission for 32 flats in Watford high street

Until now, it was unclear what type of business would be taking on the ground floor unit but the drawings all but confirm Chipotle's move to Watford.

There are nearly 3,000 Chipotle's worldwide but just 11 in the UK - all of which are in London; the closest being Brent Cross, although Google currently lists the branch as temporarily closed.

As part of its likely move to Watford, Chipotle is seeking planning permission from the council for the installation of a new shopfront, illuminated signage and further signage.

According to an application form, the Watford branch will create 12 full-time and 18 part-time jobs.

The plans can be viewed on the planning portal via reference 22/00018/FUL.