McDonald’s has been given the green light to operate round the clock at its latest Kent restaurant.

The new premises at Sandwich opens next week and yesterday councillors granted permission for it to sell hot food and drinks between 11pm and 5am seven nights a week.

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

Leo Charalambides, representing McDonald’s at the Dover District Council hearing, answered councillors’ concerns over possible litter and one resident's fears of late night anti-social behaviour and car meets.

He said: “There is CCTV, staff are trained in conflict management and dealing with difficult customers.

“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.”

The application for a premises licence by the fast food giant was heard by the authority’s licensing sub-committee.

The new premises at Montagu Road, Discovery Park, is to open on Wednesday, October 25 and is expected to be a small 20 to 26-seater restaurant fitting into an existing building. Food will be served as eat in or take away.

The building was meant to be taken over by another fast food chain, Leon, but that move fell through last year.

Building workers were this week continuing to refurbish the premises in time for the opening.

McDonald’s last week also put in a planning application to the council for illuminated and non-illuminated logo signs, which are also being erected at the site.

The premises licence had one objector, resident Dr Chris Martin.

He said in a written submission to the council: “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.”

Dr Martin added concerns about the number of McDonald’s premises with 24 hours trading near to the Sandwich site meaning this additional one is not required.

These include two in Canterbury, Whitstable, one at Westwood Cross and Whitfield, all within 20 miles of Discovery Park.

Mr Charalambides had said: “Responsible authorities (such as police) have not made representations in this application, meaning they are probably satisfied with the application.”

The company had also stressed that none of its UK restaurants served alcohol and did not serve any drinks in glass.