Kent’s newest McDonald’s opens today with permission for a 24-hour operation.

Contractors were putting the finishing touches to the restaurant early this morning in preparation for the 11am launch at Sandwich Discovery Park, with balloons at the entrance.

The fast food giant recently secured permission from Dover District Council to sell hot food and drinks between 11pm and 5am.

Serving outside those hours does not require a licence so the decision means the drive-thru will be allowed to open 24 hours a day.

Bosses were granted permission despite residents’ fears the site could lead to late-night anti-social behaviour, litter and gatherings of “boy racers”.

One objector, Dr Chris Martin, wrote: “The area is already used by motorists and motorcyclists as a meeting place and for activities such as speeding, racing and drifting.

“Should McDonald’s be granted a 24-hour licence then people will be further motivated to gather in this area, which will inevitably increase the amount of congregation for car and motorcycle activities and anti-social behaviour.”

But a representative for the operator, Leo Charalambides, reassured councillors in the licensing meeting earlier this month, by saying there would be CCTV and staff trained in “conflict management”.

He added: “Littering is not just a McDonald’s problem but a social problem where people think they don’t need to use use bins and throw things out of car windows.

“But we do litter picks where we clean the store, the immediate surrounding area and further out.”

McDonald’s sites in Canterbury, Whitstable, Westwood Cross and Whitfield, all operate 24 hours.

The new premises has a 26-seater restaurant and a drive-thru facility. The site, opposite the Starbucks cafe, had previously been earmarked for a Leon fast food restaurant but the company pulled out.