McDonald's late-night opening plans spark huge backlash in Swindon

McDonald’s has applied for a new premises licence to serve refreshment between 11pm and 5am, Monday to Sunday, at its planned restaurant on Whitehall Way.

The site was previously occupied by Pizza Hut, which closed in January 2025.

The application has drawn objections from residents, particularly around the potential for noise, anti-social behaviour, and traffic disruption.

Eight formal representations were submitted to Swindon Borough Council’s licensing panel, which is due to meet on Thursday, October 1 to consider the licence.

One resident said: "I am worried that allowing such a business to run from 11pm-5am could contribute to increased incidents of anti-social behaviour, littering and crime into the local area especially in Goldsborough Close, Longstock Court and Shaw Ridge Primary School which are the closest to the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park."

Another commented: "The surrounding road infrastructure is poorly equipped to handle the increased traffic volume a drive-thru generates.

"The nearby roundabout is already small, congested and difficult to navigate safely.

"Introducing additional vehicles queuing and turning into the site for drive-thru service will increase the risk of accidents and create major traffic delays."

Another said: "I live near Lydiard Park, which I love and think is a great asset to Swindon.

"However it is already plagued with discarded McDonald's waste, which is a hazard to wildlife and domestic pets, as well as spoiling a beautiful parkland.

"People buy takeaway food and drink, and just throw wrappers, cups and bags on the ground."

While some objections focused on broader issues outside the panel’s remit—such as the number of existing McDonald’s outlets and general planning matters—several cited relevant licensing concerns.

These included: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The application, submitted by Shoosmiths LLP on behalf of McDonald’s Restaurants Limited, includes a series of measures intended to address these issues.

These include litter patrols, waste management protocols, and asking customers to be mindful of noise when placing orders and leaving the premises.

Although no objections were raised by authorities such as the police, fire service, or environmental health teams, the volume of public concerns meant the application was referred to the licensing panel for a decision.

The fast-food giant has not responded to the objectors through its agent, despite being given the opportunity to do so during the consultation process.

A similar extension in opening hours was granted to the branch at Orbital Shopping Park, despite residents' concerns about noise and antisocial behaviour.

However, a noise assessment conducted after the change found no evidence of excessive disturbance.

The Shaw Ridge site has already undergone significant redevelopment since the Pizza Hut closure, with demolition of the old building.

The floor plan submitted as part of the original planning application indicates that the building would mostly be used in the preparation of orders, as no outdoor seating plan has been outlined.

'In determining the application for a new Premises Licence, the Licensing Panel is requested to have regard to the Licensing Act 2003, Swindon Borough Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy 2026, the Section 182 Guidance issued by the Secretary of State (February 2026), and all relevant representations submitted by Other Persons in respect of the application,' reads the report.

The plans will be discussed and decided on at a meeting of the Licensing Panel on Thursday, October 1 at 3:45pm.