Not lovin' it – 24/7 McDonald's plan denied again

A second bid to extend the opening times of a McDonald's so it can serve 24/7 has been denied by a council, but a legal challenge could follow.

West Northamptonshire Council heard the application to alter the premises licence for the restaurant on Kettering Road, Northampton, which is currently open from 06:00 GMT until midnight.

McDonald's barrister Sarah Clover told the Reform UK-controlled council's licensing sub-committee that "the idea that this is going to drive massive footfall... is not the reality of the situation".

But local people said they were worried that round-the-clock opening would mean more cooking smells, car horns and the "shouting and screaming" of customers.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the restaurant, which opened in 2019, had already previously tried and failed to extend its hours of operation.

Speaking at the licensing meeting, local resident Andrew Beck told members that one of the key concerns was vehicle-generated noise throughout the night.

He said: "How do you prevent engines, door slams, acceleration or drive-through queues from disturbing residents? The applicant has not proposed a single measure that reduces these external impacts.

"This site is in a residential area, it is not a motorway service station."

Another resident said she had witnessed rats in the area, including burrowing into her own garden.

Perry Akhtar, who owns the Kettering Road franchise and several other 24/7 McDonald's in the area, said the increased opening hours would help with business sustainability, allow for better shift patterns and create 20 jobs.

Clover told members that they expected the restaurant to serve about 35 extra customers in the overnight period, based on the experience at other 24-hour outlets.

The committee's previous refusal for the same application in January was the subject of an appeal to Northampton Magistrates' Court.

A council spokesperson added: "We cannot comment on or provide further detail regarding ongoing legal proceedings. At this stage, no date has been set for the full appeal hearing.

"A preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place in May, during which the court will confirm the appeal hearing date and issue the necessary directions for the next steps in the process."

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