New 24/7 McDonalds gets go-ahead despite concerns

A mock-up of a McDonald's was provided to Norwich City Council in the planning application

A fast food restaurant has been granted a licence to open 24/7 despite concerns about noise, litter and anti-social behaviour.

A new branch of McDonalds on Mousehold Lane, Sprowston, Norwich, will include a drive-in for vehicles and motorcycles.

Plans for the new outlet were initially turned down by Norwich City Council in 2022, but the decision was overturned by the Planning Inspectorate in May 2024.

This will be the chain's 11th restaurant in Norwich - six of which are open 24 hours a day.

An artist's impression of the proposed McDonald's site in Mousehold Lane

There are houses on Plaford Road to the west - and on the other side of Mousehold Lane.

Concerns were expressed by more than 40 local residents, one of whom was worried about people who had been drinking alcohol visiting late at night and causing a disturbance.

Another person said the road was normally very quiet and the restaurant would lead to a lot of noise.

A sign opposing the McDonald's has been in place for many months

A representative for McDonalds said that if nuisance was observed in the car park, appropriate action would be taken and if necessary, the police would be involved.

Norfolk Police said it had no objections, as long as CCTV requirements were met.

Following a site visit to check on light pollution levels, the licensing committee granted permission with conditions including an additional 1.1m (3.6ft) fence to mitigate light from headlights disturbing residents of Plaford Road.

The McDonald's representative also confirmed an acoustic fence would be built and shrubbery would be planted to help reduce noise, while the car park would be equipped with CCTV and lighting to deter anti-social behaviour.

Litter control would be carried out daily and the patio area of the restaurant would be closed overnight between 23:00 and 07:00.

According to Norwich City Council documents, the restaurant would be staffed overnight by a minimum of six people.

The application for the restaurant, due to open on 22 October, was initially refused by planners but McDonalds won on appeal.

The firm has been asked for comment.