Drive-thru 24-hour plan put on hold
A protest from nearby residents has resulted in a town centre McDonald’s removing an application to flip burgers 24/7.
Maidstone’s drive-thru, off Broadway, opened in May and is open from 6am-midnight.
But a bid to operate round-theclock angered a number of people living in neighbouring Broadway Heights who unveiled a banner branding the fast-food giant ‘neighbours from hell.’
On hearing the latest news one resident said: “We’re all very pleased. It’s not just about the smell, but noise pollution from the cars and the ovens too.”
There had previously been reports of anti-social behaviour in the car park, and in a letter to the council addressing the application the agent said McDonald’s would like to undertake further engagement with the police to resolve outstanding issues.
Ali Hajj, who owns Maidstone’s McDonald’s said: “We have put it on hold so we can consult with the local residents and talk with all the relevant authorities.”
Mr Hajj added that he hopes to resubmit the application to open the drive-thru for 24 hours at a later date.
The application was submitted in December and was withdrawn on March 10.
Meanwhile bad weather has slowed down work on the company’s new drive-thru on the corner of Hermitage Lane and London Road.
Heavy rain has delayed construction and McDonald’s was unable to confirm an opening date but said work was a month behind schedule.
Developers were given the green light in 2012 to demolish derelict RBLI bungalows and former post office to make way for four commercial properties.