'24-hour McDonalds drive-thru would turn area into a rubbish heap and constant noise at all hours'

Concerns have been raised over plans to extend the opening times of a McDonalds drive-thru in North London to 24-hours. Residents have complained that they are already ‘routinely cleaning up rubbish’ and allowing it to open throughout the night will turn the place into ‘a rubbish heap’.

The McDonalds franchise at Shaftesbury Circle in South Harrow currently serves late night refreshments through the drive-thru until 2am, with the restaurant shutting at midnight. The owner has now applied to Harrow Council for a licence to extend the drive-thru opening times to 24-hours, every day of the week.

Those opposing the plan have suggested extending the hours risks providing an opportunity for ‘criminals and vandalism’ to operate during the late night hours. They are urging the council to refuse the application so residents don’t have to endure the ‘constant noise and litter problems that a non-stop fast-food operation would create’.

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In documents submitted against the application, one resident wrote: “Allowing this establishment to remain open around the clock would severely disrupt the peace and cleanliness of our community. Even with their current operating hours the area around McDonalds is constantly littered with food wrappers, drink cups, and other trash from their customers.”

They added: “Giving them a 24/7 licence would only exacerbate the problem, as more trash would accumulate throughout the night. [It] would make this area a rubbish heap. Furthermore, the level of noise from vehicle traffic, loud music, honking etc is already disruptive in the evenings and mornings. [...] Allowing them to stay open 24-hours would mean constant noise at all hours of the night when residents are trying to sleep.”

Others fear the increased footfall in the area during the later hours could fuel ‘criminals and vandalism’, by increasing the risk of ‘drug dealing and loitering’. One said: “[...] late night hours also coincide with increase in alcohol consumption especially at weekends - possibly leading to altercations that escalate into criminal activity. Even worse is the opportunity for an increase in vandalism and graffiti in this residential area.”

They added: “ If McDonald's becomes a gathering spot for individuals engaged in risky or antisocial behaviour during late-night hours, children in the area may be exposed to negative influences that could impact their behaviour or safety.”

The applicant has promised ‘litter patrols’ will be used to clean-up rubbish during the hours that the drive-thru is open, which will cover both the immediate and the surrounding areas. They have also confirmed that a fully trained manager will be on site from 11pm each night who will ‘challenge loiterers’ to leave the premises, as well as number plate recognition software to ‘restrict the amount of time a customer can remain in the car park’.

Harrow Council’s Licensing Panel will make a decision on whether to green light the plan at a meeting next week (May 28).

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