A Kent high street could soon be home a 24-hour Greggs – believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.

The popular chain has applied for a round-the-clock licence to serve its famous sausage rolls and steak bakes from the branch in St George’s Street, Canterbury.

However, with the neighbouring McDonald’s already open at all hours, some fear it could exacerbate drunken anti-social behaviour in the area.

One councillor who represents that part of the city fears approving the licence could be the start of a “slippery slope”, with other outlets wanting to follow suit.

Labour’s Pip Hazelton told KentOnline that without “serious reassurance”, she and fellow Westgate ward councillor Michael Dixey would be unable to support the plans.

The licensing application submitted to Canterbury City Council reveals Greggs wants to provide a takeaway service between 11pm and 5am every day of the week.

“As it stands, we are not happy with or interested in the idea of it being a 24-hour service,” she said.

“Saying yes sets a dangerous precedent - when do we say no?”

Problems with drunken and disorderly behaviour in the city centre late at night have been well documented.

Concerns have also been raised about the noise caused by delivery drivers revving to and from food outlets in the early hours.

Cllr Hazelton said: “We absolutely want to encourage business in the city – we want to see people thrive and make a go of it in the area.

“But barring McDonald’s, we’re not aware of any other operatives being given a 24-hour licence. It’s a slippery slope.

“People do live in the city centre and saying yes sets a dangerous precedent - when do we say no?

“St George’s Street has always somewhat suffered from anti-social behaviour. A lot of residents aren’t happy about existing businesses operating the way they do and ultimately the question is will the city benefit from this.”

KentOnline asked Greggs if the store would be open throughout the night but a spokesman said the company does not comment on live applications.

Passersby in St George’s Street yesterday were surprised by the move, with some noting the branch was often empty between 6pm and 9pm - when it currently closes.

As it stands, Greggs’ drive-thru in Sittingbourne has the latest closing time in the county at 10pm.

But attempts to transition into a 24-hour model have previously been mooted by the firm, with several media outlets reporting in March the food giant wanted to make the change to some of its drive-thrus.

Greggs also previously tried to bring in a 24-hour service at its Leicester Square store last year - but council bosses snubbed the bid.

At the time Aicha Less, Westminster City Council’s cabinet member for licensing and communities, said “legitimate concerns have been raised by the police and local people that these plans are half-baked”.

“There are worries that businesses serving 24/7 in the city centre creates challenges and that the bakery could become a hot spot for late-night disturbances and anti-social behaviour,” she added.

It prompted a legal battle between the two, with Greggs vowing to install security cameras and bouncers in order to get the go-ahead.

However, that came to an end in May this year when council bosses and business leaders agreed a deal allowing the London-based store to stay open until at least midnight seven days a week.

On Thursdays to Saturdays, the branch has special permission to dish out the goods until two in the morning.

It is not yet known when the proposed change in Canterbury would take place, with the council inviting the public to make their opinions heard until July 25.