Fast food chain McDonald’s has been given a decision on its application for a 24-hour licence at a new branch on a Suffolk retail park.

The chain was seeking a late night refreshment licence both indoors and outdoors for its new branch in Anson Road, at Spenhill Retail Park, Martlesham Heath, allowing it to trade Monday to Sunday between 11pm and 5am.

The council initially received nine objections, including one from Suffolk Constabulary, raising concerns over noise, pollution, and anti-social behaviour.

However, after McDonald’s agreed to several conditions, two objections, including the one from Suffolk police, were withdrawn, leading to members of East Suffolk Council’s licencing sub-committee to grant the licence.

The conditions include improvements to CCTV cameras, automatic recognition of number plates, and discussions with the police and the licensing team regarding anti-social behaviour concerns.

The application stated: “This restaurant understands that in extending our opening hours we have a duty to the local community and that we continue to protect our staff and customers from danger and harm.

“We believe that the systems we have in place are robust, thorough and will, as
far as reasonably practicable, secure the promotion of the four licensing objectives.”

The company has also agreed to conduct regular litter patrols in the vicinity of the chain’s premises to collect not only its own packaging but also any other litter that has been discarded.