Drive-thru not allowed to serve after midnight

The closest residential buildings are just 16 metres (52ft) away

A fast-food restaurant has been refused permission to serve until the early hours on weekends due to noise and litter concerns.

Burger King, in Ryhope Road, Sunderland, wanted to provide food and drink via its drive-thru on Friday and Saturday from 23:00 BST until 02:00 BST, and until midnight every other day.

The chain had initially sought permission to allow the site to serve 24/7, but made changes after understanding "nuances" about the area.

However, objections from residents and the council’s environmental health department remained and the application was turned down.

The restaurant did manage to secure a short extension to its working hours and will be able to serve via its drive-thru between 23:00 BST and midnight each day.

The site currently closes at 23:00 BST and opens at 07:00 BST.

The decision came as the Labour-led council's licencing sub-committee had "concerns" about noise, but wanted to "encourage business in the city of Sunderland".

Mitchell Fitzsimmons, from environmental health department, said it had nuisance concerns because of how close properties were, with the closest just 16 metres (52ft) away.

Two objections were submitted from nearby residents who expressed worries around potential vermin and litter.

Alex Tomlinson, solicitor on behalf of Burger King, told the meeting the restaurant wanted to avoid creating nuisance, and a noise management plan would be put in place.

He added: "It’s not good for us if there is litter all over the place with Burger King on it, and it's not good for the local residents, it's not something that we want.

"We can actively encourage people to use the bins provided, we can have notices up saying please do not litter within the local vicinity."

Burger King's existing planning permission will need to be amended to allow it to operate outside of its current hours, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A planning application will be lodged in due course.