noise
Councils are currently addressing resident concerns about noise from extended operating hours for businesses and new developments.
Residents in Kingston upon Thames raised concerns in September 2026 about potential increases in noise from a proposed three-storey healthcare rehabilitation centre. This follows a decision in August 2026 by Kingston Council's Licensing Sub-Committee to defer a licence application for a KFC restaurant in Chessington due to significant resident and councillor concerns, including noise.
Several councils have recently approved extended operating hours for businesses despite resident objections about noise. In August 2026, Hackney Council's Licensing Sub-Committee B approved extended hours for The Black Eel pub, and Bexley Council's Planning Committee approved a temporary extension for a McDonald's in Sidcup, despite concerns from Councillor Oscar Harrison about noise. Wandsworth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee also granted a licence to Regine Pizzeria and extended a licence for the Mezzanine pub in July 2026, both despite resident noise concerns.
Looking ahead, the London Cocktail Club (rebranded as Hidden Society) in Westminster is awaiting a decision on its application to extend late-night refreshment and alcohol sales hours, following a hearing in March 2026 where local residents and associations raised concerns about potential noise.
Key facts
- Residents in Kingston upon Thames raised concerns in September 2026 about potential noise from a proposed healthcare rehabilitation centre. Source
- Kingston Council's Licensing Sub-Committee deferred a licence application for a KFC restaurant in Chessington in August 2026 due to noise concerns. Source
- Richmond Council formally objected to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in August 2026, citing concerns over noise. Source 1 Source 2
- Hackney Council's Licensing Sub-Committee B approved extended hours for The Black Eel pub in August 2026 despite resident objections about public nuisance. Source
- Kensington and Chelsea Council's Licensing Sub-Committee heard an application in August 2026 for Smoke and Pepper to extend hours until 3 am, facing opposition over noise. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.