A fast-food giant has applied for permission to be open 24 hours, but neighbours are definitely not lovin’ it.

The McDonald’s drive-thru on Broadway opened in May amid controversy after a mix-up, with the sign outside having the wrong opening hours.

It was granted permission to open from 6am to midnight, but the signage said it would be open round the clock.

Although it was amended, an application has now been lodged with Maidstone council for permission to extend the hours.

Disgruntled neighbours in Broadway Heights, whose properties overlook the car park, which is shut between 12.30am and 6am, have spoken out.

Patricia Bond said: “It’s a nightmare, the boy racers in the car park and the smell of the food, we don’t get any sleep. They stop cooking at midnight and then it starts again when they turn their fires on for breakfast at 5am.”

Another resident, Sue Delamere, said: “The noise, the traffic on the main road is awful, it becomes completely blocked at rush hour. We used to sit on the patio, but now because of the noise we can’t – there’s no way it can become a 24-hour store.”

Speaking about the application, Ali El Hajj, McDonald’s Maidstone franchisee, said: “Due to the positive reaction we have received since opening and in order to serve our customers at a time that suits them, we have submitted an application to extend our hours.

“We play an active role in the local community and are happy to work with anyone who has concerns about our business.”

Two petitions have also been launched.

The application was submitted on December 15 and is due to be decided before the planning committee on Tuesday, February 9.

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