A planning application for a McDonald's fast food restaurant to open 24 hours a day has been approved despite seven objections surrounding noise complaints.

Eastern Daily Press: Premier Inn had objected to an application by McDonald's to open its restaurant near Norwich International Airport for 24 hours a day. Pic: Dan Grimmer.Premier Inn had objected to an application by McDonald's to open its restaurant near Norwich International Airport for 24 hours a day. Pic: Dan Grimmer. (Image: Archant)

The McDonald's, by Norwich Airport on the A140 Holt Road, is next door to Premier Inn, which was the largest objector to the bid.

The hotel chain said that it has had to pay more than £3,000 to guests who have been unable to sleep because of noise from its fast food neighbour.

This is due to its Good Night Sleep Guarantee which offers customers their money back if they do not get a 'good night's sleep.'

In documents lodged with City Hall, consultants Walsingham Planning said on Premier Inn's behalf: 'From January 2016 to date, the Norwich Airport Premier Inn has had to refund £3,079.50 to guests complaining of being disturbed by noise directly attributed to the McDonald's next door.

'Various noise sources have been cited, including the ordering intercom, noise from the car park, deliveries in the morning and general traffic to and from the location.'

Objections also came from surrounding homes on the opposite side of Holt Road, with claims that the opening hours would increase noise and anti-social behaviour.

A representative from McDonald's did not attend the meeting but Savills, on behalf of McDonald's, said a noise impact assessment found the opening hours extension would have 'no observable effect level' to the potential for noise impact from vehicle, people or plant noise sources.

One member of the committee felt that if the hotel thought the extended hours would affect its service then the chain must make any improvements itself to counter noise complaints.

Highlighted also was that the surrounding properties are already located next to an international airport and the main road, which both add to noise in the area.

The police were not approached before the meeting, but it was mentioned there had been no reported incidents of anti-social behaviour related to the McDonald's in the area.

The bid to open round the clock was passed unanimously by Norwich City Council's planning committee after it had already been recommended by council officers for approval.