A McDonald's restaurant has won its appeal to stay open until 2am, despite residents' concerns over noise. Stoke-on-Trent City Council had previously blocked an application to extend the closing time of McDonald's in Sandyford from 11pm to 2am, in order to protect residents' 'amenity'.

But following an appeal by the fast food giant, a planning inspector has overturned the council's decision. The High Street restaurant and drive-thru will be able to stay open until 2am for an initial 12-month trial period, to allow the impact of the later hours to be assessed.

A total of 17 people objected to the original application, raising concerns over increased noise, traffic, litter and anti-social behaviour. A further 14 objections, including from local councillor Chandra Kanneganti and Sandyford and Goldenhill Residents' Association, were received in relation to the appeal.

Planning inspector K Townend acknowledged that the McDonald's was located in a mostly residential area, and noted that the main issue was the impact of noise and disturbance on people living in High Street, Wignall Road and Shelford Road. A noise impact assessment (NIA) submitted as part of the application found that background noise in the area is already high, including during the proposed extended opening hours, and so there would be 'no perceivable change in ambient noise level'.

17 people objected to the plans, raising concerns over noise, traffic and anti-social behaviour (Google).

The planning inspector, while stating that the council has not disputed the NIA, noted that the assessment was carried out over a single weekday night, and that it overstated the amount of planting on the site's boundary.

The inspector's report states: "Even taking account of these weaknesses, it seems unlikely, based on the evidence, that the proposal would lead to significant disturbance for neighbouring residents. The appellant sets out pro-active measures within a Premises Noise Management Plan (PNMP) including the use of CCTV and conflict avoidance training for managers. This would minimise the potential for anti-social behaviour.

"To conclude, although the NIA methodology is generally robust, there are uncertainties and assumptions within its analysis. A 12-month trial would therefore be appropriate to enable the impacts, and the effectiveness of the PNMP, to be assessed."

Residents expressed their disappointment at the decision on the Sandyford and Goldenhill Residents' Association Facebook page.

Dawn Cuthbertson said: "Absolutely disgusting, the noise will travel at that time of the morning, those around it needs to log noise complaints and make a stand."

Sue Cawley said: "Whoever made this decision lives miles away at a guess."

Michael Blakemore said: "Every local resident who hears noises from the site or is inconvenienced should call the police and log it."

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