Controversial plans to extend a McDonald's branch's opening hours in North Cheam are set to be decided upon by Sutton Council next week.

The licensing sub-committee will mull over the fast food giant’s proposals on March 26, looking to extend serving hours from 1am to 5am every day.

While the council initially rejected planning permission for the drive-thru restaurant, in London Road, The Planning Inspectorate overruled the local authority on January 22.

In her report, inspector Josephine Heath said: “The existing operating hours include trading in some of the more sensitive night time hours in terms of potential noise disturbance to nearby residents.

“However, while there have been previous concerns about incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area, including the car park, I note that there have been no formal complaints [at the time of the decision] to the council in this regard.

“Moreover, I am advised that since the appellant [McDonald’s] implemented various preventative site management measures such incidents have reduced significantly.

“There is no substantive evidence before me that the extended hours would exacerbate historic anti-social behaviour problems and I further note the Safer Sutton Group’s observation that the extended hours may attract a different clientele altogether.”

“This is generally consistent with the appellant’s view that customers using the drive-thru facility during the extended hours would typically be shift workers and taxi drivers, spending little time on site and staying in their cars.”

If granted, then the permission would be subject to ‘mandatory conditions’ in line with the Licensing Act 2003.

McDonald’s will also need to complete an operating schedule, which are steps it is required to take in order to promote licensing objectives.

The North Cheam drive-thru restaurant is currently open from 5am to 1am the following morning, Monday through Sunday.