McDonald's wins appeal over 03:00 closing time

There was no indication of disturbance from McDonald's former Cornmarket Street branch, the Planning Inspectorate found

McDonald's has won permission keep a city centre restaurant open until 03:00 every day after an appeal.

The fast food giant was told it would only be allowed to keep its restaurant at 44-46 Cornmarket Street open until midnight by Oxford City Council in June 2024.

The authority said it worried about the impact on nearby residents from noise and disturbance.

The Planning Inspectorate said McDonald's opened until 03:00 at a former premises at 57 Cornmarket Street for about 20 years before a recent move and there was nothing to indicate "significant disturbance" there.

It said "late night activity is expected" in the "vibrant city centre location" and that the nearby Plush nightclub remains open until 03:30 between Thursday and Saturday.

It found the restaurant "would not materially harm the living conditions" of residents nearby when it approved McDonald's appeal on Monday.

As part of the decision, the restaurant will be able to open from 06:00 until 03:00 every day, including on bank and public holidays.