Whitehaven McDonald's seeks permission for 24-hour opening

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 17:19 · Archive

McDonald's is seeking a Lawful Development Certificate to operate its Whitehaven restaurant around the clock.

McDonald's Restaurants Ltd has applied to Cumberland Council for a Lawful Development Certificate to allow its Whitehaven restaurant to operate 24 hours a day. The application, validated on 6 October, seeks confirmation that no planning restrictions prevent unrestricted opening at the Bridges Retail Park site on Flatt Walks.

The original outline permission was granted by Copeland Borough Council in March 1999 for non-food retail units and a drive-through fast-food outlet on the former College of Further Education site. The conditions attached covered access, parking, landscaping, lighting and drainage, but the decision notice does not set operating hours.

Planning agent Savills said the application has been submitted to 'certify that there are no planning restrictions on the hours of operation for the restaurant, which can therefore operate 24 hours a day'. The proposal does not involve building works or a change of use. The restaurant reopened in October 2024 following a five-week refurbishment and employed more than 100 people at that time, with the dine-in restaurant operating from 5am until 11pm and the drive-thru from 5am until 2.30am.

How it is being reported

• Whitehaven McDonald's could open 24 hours a day under new plansA McDonald's restaurant in Whitehaven, near the Lake District, could operate 24 hours a day under a new application submitted to the council.Whitehaven News · 8 Oct, 17:00
• Whitehaven McDonald's could open 24 hours a day under new plansA McDonald's restaurant in Whitehaven, near the Lake District, could operate 24 hours a day under a new application submitted to the council.News & Star · 8 Oct, 17:00

In this story: McDonald's Restaurants Ltd · Cumberland Council · Whitehaven · Bridges Retail Park · Savills · Copeland Borough Council

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