PLANS for Colchester’s newest McDonald’s to offer a late night service have sparked fears it will “attract more boy racers”.

McDonald’s has applied for a licence to operate a late night service at its new Turner Rise Retail Park location.

If successful, it will be the third 24-hour McDonalds in Colchester.

The other 24 hour McDonalds in Colchester are located at Leisure World and Stadium Junction.

The restaurants at Tollgate and Colchester High Street are not currently operating 24 hours.

Councillors are due to determine the bid next week.

Documents published ahead of the meeting reveal 24 objections have been submitted to Colchester Council regarding the extended opening hours licence.

The opposition centres around the potential for increased noise and traffic in the area, though residents also voiced environmental concerns about the development.

Martin Goss, the council’s portfolio holder for neighbourhood services and waste, was one of those who objected.

He wrote: “[The McDonald’s] opening late will add to crime and disorder in the area as the police are already dealing with issues here.

Read more:

• Man 'attacked by teen gang' before have-a-go hero rushes to his rescue

• Calls for Scottish independence driven by 'likes of Mel Gibson', says Clacton MP

• Revealed: 9 Colchester pubs included in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2023

“Opening after 11pm will attract more boy racers, causing noise and disturbance and adding to the police reports and workload.”

One resident on the Turner Rise estate was concerned about the prominence of boy racers in the area.

They wrote: “The location of this site has already been acknowledged as a hotspot for antisocial behaviour in the late hours.

“As a resident living in the adjacent housing estate, Turner rise, we have been plagued with motorists regularly congregating around this area between the approximate hours of 10pm and 2pm, and excessively revving their collective motor engines.”

McDonald’s previously told the Gazette it takes its “responsibility to the community seriously.”

It said: "We will be working with local stakeholders to make sure that the restaurant is a safe and welcoming environment for our customers in the hours we decide to operate."

No opening date has been confirmed for the new restaurant. Building work started in June. 

A decision will be made by councillors on the matter next Wednesday.