A CHICKEN shop that has applied for an extended licence to open until 5am at weekends is facing opposition from people living nearby.

Texas Chicken, at the corner of Leytonstone High Road and Grove Road, has applied for a late licence on Fridays and Saturdays until 5am and until 2am from Sunday to Thursday.

Residents, some of whom say they already endure late-night noise from the Walnut Tree pub and 24-hour McDonalds restaurant, are concerned about further disruption.

Leytonstone ward councillors have submitted representations opposing the application on behalf of local residents, after receiving letters from concerned residents.

Cllr Clyde Loakes said: “I have received three emails of support, but the overwhelming number of people oppose it because of noise and litter.

“This council has made clear our position on fast food, that we don't need any more or any open at that hour. We already have people hanging around the Walnut Tree pub and we don't want any more.”

Cllr Loakes said that the council has only received three or four applications for fast food outlets since it introduced a planning policy last year banning take-aways from opening near schools and parks.

He attributes the few number of applications to people taking notice of the planning policy, the current economic climate and because, he says, businesses recognise the area is saturated with fast food outlets – with one for every 350 families.

The application for an extended licence by Texas Chicken will be considered at a Licensing Sub-Committee meeting at the Town Hall in Walthamstow, on Thursday, January 14, at 7pm.