Wolverhampton KFC branch will be allowed to open until 4am

A restaurant and takeaway has been told it will be allowed to open until four o’clock in the morning.

Kentucky Fried Chicken in Wolverhampton city centre has been granted permission to extend its opening hours by council planners.

The restaurant, in the pedestrianised section of Queen Street, was previously allowed to open until 1am.

But Muzammal Mahmood, acting on behalf of applicant F T Foods, said neighbouring businesses were now operating for longer hours.

He said extending opening hours would provide a service to people working unsociable hours, create employment opportunities, and support the local economy.

”Given the presence of comparable businesses operating beyond 4am and the absence of demonstrable harm, the proposal would integrate seamlessly into the existing context without detriment to amenity or local character,” Mr Mahmood added.

“Given its nature and location, the proposal is considered appropriate and well-aligned with the operational requirements for the applicant.”

Granting permission, planning officer Alisha Paul said: ”The hours of opening for the use as a mixed restaurant and hot food takeaway are appropriate and would strengthen the vitality and viability of the centre as a whole.

“The extended opening hours are acceptable and will not cause any adverse impacts to neighbouring uses or the character of the Wolverhampton city centre conservation area.”

She imposed a condition that no security shutters be installed on the business.

Wolverhampton Council recently published its strategy for bolstering the city’s night-time economy.