A McDonald's branch on Earl's Court Road in West London has been granted permission to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, following a decision by Kensington and Chelsea Council.
The approval comes despite significant local opposition, with 166 residents formally objecting over concerns the move would exacerbate antisocial behaviour in the area.
Security Conditions Imposed on Late-Night Operation
To mitigate these concerns, the council accepted last-minute conditions proposed by the fast-food giant. A key stipulation requires the restaurant to have at least one licensed security guard (bouncer) on duty between 2am and 5am.
Furthermore, in a move aimed at reducing noise and congestion, third-party delivery drivers will be banned from collecting orders between the hours of 2am and 5am. During this window, customers will still be able to eat inside the restaurant or purchase takeaway food directly.
Resident Fears and Support for the Application
Objectors warned the council that the 24-hour operation would attract more drinkers and individuals causing trouble to a street that is already subject to a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) designed to tackle antisocial behaviour.
One resident stated, “The council needs to acknowledge that this is residential. We have a Public Spaces Protection Order and the police are only on duty until 11pm so any licence beyond that time must be cancelled immediately.”
Another objector feared it would “increase the amount of people hanging around, drug users, alcoholics, in an area that very much needs help to counter this.”
Despite the objections, the application also received two letters of support, which highlighted the potential for job creation and a boost to the local night-time economy. These supporters specifically called for strict conditions on delivery drivers, whom they accused of dangerous parking and contributing to litter and noise.
Planning Permission Hurdle Remains
While the licensing application has been approved, the council's own planning department noted that operating 24 hours a day would currently be a breach of planning control.
The department revealed that a separate planning application to run through the night was refused in December last year because the original planning permission limits the site's hours of use to between 8am and midnight. They have now called for McDonald's to submit a new planning application to regularise the situation.
McDonald's has stated it has systems in place to promote licensing objectives, including providing staff with mobile panic buttons and training on substance abuse awareness.
