A Sunderland KFC could soon be serving customers until 5am every day of the week under plans to dramatically extend its opening hours.

The fast-food chain wants permission to open its restaurant and drive-thru at Pennywell Industrial Estate open for up to 22 hours a day, seven days a week, to cater for shift workers and late-night customers.

But a councillor has already opposed the idea amid fears that the premises could become an “all-night hangout” and pointed out that similar plans for KFC’s branch near Ryhope were scaled back following objections.

The proposals would see the Chester Road outlet, which currently closes at 11pm, remain open until 5am every morning if Sunderland City Council gives the go-ahead.

The KFC drive-thru restaurant at Pennywell Industrial Estate. Picture by LDRS.

placeholder image — The KFC drive-thru restaurant at Pennywell Industrial Estate. Picture by LDRS.

It currently has permission to serve from 7am although it does not open until 11am.

KFC was one of the first businesses to open as part of the redevelopment of the former Dewhirst site, which now includes premises occupied by Wickes and Aldi and drive-thru Greggs and Starbucks branches.

The application argues that the change in opening times would allow the drive-thru to “operate more flexibly in line with demand, serving shift workers and those who keep unconventional hours for other reasons”.

Those behind the scheme claim there is “sufficient demand to trade over the extended hours proposed” and that the change of hours, if approved, would improve the commercial viability of the site.

The KFC drive-thru restaurant could stay open until 5am.

A cover letter concludes that the KFC is “suited to later opening, being situated away from residential dwellings and within a designated employment area”.

In terms of vehicles visiting the site, KFC goes on to say that extra traffic during night-time hours is “not expected to be out of character, or indeed unduly audible, as a result of the extension of hours”.

It also says a store manager will always be on duty and the number of additional customer visits after midnight are expected to taper off as the night goes on.

The cover letter continues: “Overall, the proposal simply intends to enable the store to operate more effectively in line with demand whilst providing economic benefits in terms of trade and employment.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Stephen O'Brien is opposed to the KFC remaining open until 5am.

Liberal Democrat councillor Stephen O’Brien, who has long campaigned for access improvements around the former Dewhirst site, said KFC’s plans risked turning the area into an “all-night hangout”.

He said: “Residents across the road already endure litter, noise and people gathering in the car park.

“Opening until 5am risks turning that into an all-night hangout, bringing more disturbance and anti-social behaviour into a residential area.

“At Salterfen Park, KFC’s 5am plans were scaled back after police and environmental health objections. There were specific warnings about revving engines, loud music and people hanging around the car park. The council already knows the risks.

“It must act now and reject these excessive hours. Failing to act would mean failing local residents.”

A decision on the plan is expected following a consultation.

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