A major fast food chain wants its new restaurant in South Cumbria to open until midnight – despite public opposition.
McDonald’s is set to open a drive-through at Oubas Hill, Ulverston, in spring and wants its opening hours to be 6am to midnight every day of the week.
But a number of people have made representations ahead of a South Lakeland District Council licensing sub-committee meeting on Tuesday, with one saying the proposed opening hours would make the new burger branch an attraction for young ‘joy boys’ who already ‘plague’ the site in their cars.
McDonald’s has insisted in its application that a number of measures will be in place at the restaurant to limit public nuisance and disorder.
A spokesman said the company operated a robust CCTV policy and that a panic-button system linking to an external monitoring centre would be installed at the Oubas Hill branch.
Matthew Rooke is opposed to the plan. He said: “The car park is currently used into the evening by groups of people who enjoy gathering with their cars, playing music, revving engines, and sounding horns.
“Having a late-night food and drink outlet available will only encourage them to remain later than they currently do and therefore cause further disturbance and nuisance to neighbouring residents.
“It should be remembered that Oubas Hill is a residential area.”
Faye Lacey was similarly concerned that extended opening hours would increase the amount of traffic, noise, and especially youths at this time of night.
“We have young children so don’t want any additional noise or worry,” she said.
Heather Whitworth said: “I’d like to add my voice to those against the permitting of the above being allowed to open until midnight every night.
“This is totally inappropriate and unacceptable in such a small town and when none of the other commercial establishments nearby have such extended opening hours.
“Surely a closing time of 8pm or 9pm is sufficient?”
