Popeye’s moved a step closer to getting a restaurant in Clanton after the city’s Planning Commission unanimously approved the submitted preliminary plan as the final drawing.

It will be located on U.S. 31 across from Walmart and will border Poplar Springs Road. The area is currently not developed and is a popular spot for the placement of political signs.

The land was approved to be subdivided into three parcels with Popeye’s planning to purchase parcel No. 2 which is .88 acres.

The current property owner would continue to own parcels No. 1 and 3.

Although there is a traffic light already installed at that intersection on U.S. 31, extra lights would need to be added facing the main entrance and exit of the eventual business.

Eric Hendon was present during the meeting as the architect overseeing the project.

He estimated 95% of the restaurant’s customers would enter off of U.S. 31. However, there are plans to have a second entrance from Poplar Springs Road.

Roger Franz is the one purchasing the second parcel and is expected to close on the property in about two weeks with construction beginning shortly after it is finalized.

A 911 address also still has to be obtained for the new building.

According to building inspector Gene Martin, the building structure will be a “cookie-cutter” design modeled after other Popeye’s franchises.

The Planning Commission also approved an architectural drawing from Through the Grace of God Ministries for a metal building it wishes to use as a warehouse storage space.

The approval is only valid if an official foundation drawing is provided for the building in question, which sits behind the existing brick structure owned by the ministry and faces Eighth Street.