Papa John's on Battersea Park Road is seeking to extend its late-night refreshment license to 5 AM, a move that has raised concerns about potential noise disturbances for nearby residents.
The Wandsworth Licensing Sub-Committee convened on Thursday, 24 July 2025, to discuss the application from Eastend Pizza Ltd, the franchisee of Papa John's at 344 Battersea Park Road. The company wants to extend its hours for late-night refreshment from 2 AM to 5 AM, effectively seeking permission to operate 24 hours a day. The premises currently has a licence to allow late-night refreshment from 11 PM to 2 AM.
The licensing officer, Julie Hopkins, stated that the options open to the licensing sub-committee are:
- Grant the application as requested
- Modify the conditions of the license (alter or omit a condition or add a new one)
- Reject the whole or part of the application
Julie Hopkins, Licensing Officer, noted that the council's Environmental Services Noise and Nuisance Officer had raised concerns about the potential impact on residents due to noise from customers and delivery riders. The application has been advertised, as required, by way of a poster in the window and by advert in a local newspaper. The application has also been advertised on the Council's website.
Anshul Khattar, Director of Eastern Peace as a Limited, representing the applicant, explained that the extension of hours was needed due to a shift in business patterns since Covid-19. The meeting information does not provide any evidence beyond the applicant's claims to support this assertion. He said the company works closely with local authorities to address complaints and train staff to minimise disturbances. He also stated that drivers are notified when orders are ready, reducing waiting times, and that they do not provide facilities for drivers to congregate.
Abid Usain, franchisee in the business in the Eastern Peace, added that the company has a driver management system to address noise complaints and can block drivers who cause disturbances. He stated that, if a driver is basically creating any noise or rubbing the engines or anything else like that, we can basically block them from accessing our permission in the future.
He also stated that they had not received any complaints from residents in the flats above the shop.
To further mitigate noise from delivery riders, Papa John's proposes to display notices, train managers to inform drivers, and ban drivers who do not comply with their standards.
Councillor Sarah Davies inquired about parking for delivery drivers, and Mr. Khattar responded that drivers park in a side road about 30 seconds away. Councillor Sana Jafri asked if the branch would operate as a collection and delivery service, or just delivery. Mr. Usain said they could switch off walk-in collections and operate as delivery-only if the sub-committee suggested it.
Robert Newby Walker, representing the noise team, raised concerns about noise nuisance from delivery riders, who are not directly controlled by the business. He suggested operating as a dark store
(closed to walk-in customers) would be a wise suggestion. Mr Newby Walker stated that he was not aware of any pizza places in the area with 5am licences, and that the council has been working to ensure businesses follow policy hours. He said:
The business can't prevent noise. You're going to have vehicles turning up in and out. They may be parking around the corner. They may be pulling up. They may be just pulling up on the side. It's a red route that's probably dead to traffic at this time.
Mr Newby Walker also said that the lack of complaints from residents does not mean the policy should be abandoned, as many residents may not be aware or feel empowered to comment.
Guy Bishop, Legal Advisor to the Licensing Sub-committee, advised the sub-committee to consider the application based on its own merits, and to ensure that the hours sought do not cause public nuisance or crime and disorder.
In closing, Mr Newby Walker reiterated his concerns about noise from delivery riders and the proximity of residential properties. Mr Khattar summarised that the business has a high average ticket value and low transaction volume, so they do not expect a large number of delivery drivers. He reiterated that they are willing to operate as delivery-only and are open to reduced opening hours if necessary. He also named De Rosa Woodfire Pizza as a nearby business operating until 3am on weekdays and 4am on weekends.
The committee will confirm its decision in writing within five working days. The full Public Reports Pack for the meeting is available online.
