COUNCILLORS in Basingstoke will decide whether a new McDonald's restaurant can open 24/7 after residents raised concerns.

McDonald's, which will open in Chineham Shopping Centre, submitted a licensing application to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to serve hot drinks and food between 11pm and 5am.

If granted, the license would allow the fast-food restaurant to open for 24 hours. However, residents have objected to the plans, due to concerns about litter and anti-social behaviour.

Andrew Jones, a resident of Chineham, told a licensing committee of the council on Tuesday, April 9, that he 'hasn't met anyone yet who thinks it's a good idea'. He added: "Everyone accepts McDonald's as an okay thing, but having it open overnight? No one agrees with that."

Mr Jones continued: "We are already seeing regular antisocial behaviour in the area. The pure fact of having the restaurant open all night will attract that behaviour."

Chineham Cllr Jenny Vaux said that to combat those issues, she would ask the committee to ensure McDonald's "do not open from 11pm to 5am until there is comprehensive CCTV installed at Chineham Shopping Centre."

Cllr Vaux explained that the shopping centre is installing CCTV, and has agreed on a budget and contractors, however, there is no timeline for the installation.

A representative for McDonald's said the fast food restaurant would be 'more than happy to accept some sort of CCTV conditions,' but it would be unreasonable for them to wait for the shopping centre to install CCTV.

However, they would push for the shopping centre to install the technology 'as a tenant'.

Cllr Bowes, Cllr Phillimore, and Cllr Tom, members of the sub-committee, ended the hearing, informing attendees that they would make their decision 'in the next five days.'