McDonald's is seeking to return to Walworth Road with a new branch at 284-286 Walworth Road, and Southwark Council's Planning Committee is expected to approve the plans at a meeting on October 7. The application includes a request to vary the permitted opening hours of the site, which was previously home to the Temple Bar pub and is now occupied by Poundland.
New branch details and opening hours
The proposed McDonald's would operate from 6am to midnight every day of the week, a change from the previous branch at 198-200 Walworth Road, which operated from 5am to midnight Sunday to Wednesday and 24 hours a day from Thursday to Saturday. The plans include dining space for up to 120 customers and a rear extension, with deliveries, servicing, and refuse collections scheduled from 7am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 8pm on Sundays and public holidays.
McDonald's closed its long-standing branch at 198-200 Walworth Road in November 2025 after more than 40 years of operation. A McDonald's spokesperson said at the time that the closure was due to local redevelopment plans, with staff relocated to nearby restaurants.
Public consultation and objections
During the public consultation, the plans received 55 objections and eight representations in support. Objectors raised concerns over noise and potential anti-social behaviour, including "disorderly" customer behaviour, as well as an over-concentration of fast food and takeaways in the area. Increased air and "odour pollution" from the kitchen extraction system were also cited as objections.
Some locals expressed concerns about transport impacts from delivery drivers, including congestion, obstruction of the highway, and road safety impacts. Two local MPs, Neil Coyle and Miatta Fahnbulleh, each relayed concerns from a resident, respectively. The Walworth Society and the local governing body of St Paul's CofE Primary School also objected to the plans.
Support and recommendation
However, those in support of the application believe it has local economic and employment benefits, along with it being in character with the local high street. Southwark Council's Planning Committee has been recommended to approve the plans at its meeting next week.
