McDonald's on George Street, Richmond, has submitted a formal application to Richmond Council seeking confirmation that it could legally operate 24 hours a day without the need for planning permission.

The request, made through property firm Savills under Section 192 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, asked the council to issue a Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed unrestricted trading hours.

On behalf of the global fast-food chain, Savills said: "We write on behalf of our client, McDonald's Restaurants Limited, to apply for a Certificate, pursuant to Section 192 of the Act, to confirm the proposed unrestricted trading operation (i.e. 24 hours a day) of the McDonald's restaurant at 30 The Quadrant in Richmond."

A Section 192 Permitted Development in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 refers to a Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Use or Development (CLOPUD).

This document confirms that a proposed use of land or building operations would be lawful without needing planning permission.

Essentially, it provides McDonald's with legal certainty that a planned project can proceed without requiring a full planning application.

Richmond Council's officer report stated:

"Overall, whilst the applicant may require a separate licence to operate 24 hours, there are no conditions on any relevant planning permission which control the timing of use or operation of the floorspace at the application site, and a 24-hour operation would be lawful under Section 192 of the Act."

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Currently, McDonald's has not made any application to change its existing opening hours, which are Monday to Sunday, 6am to 12am.

To read the document click here.

McDonald's has been approached for comment.

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