noise
Councils are currently deciding on numerous late-night licence applications for food and drink establishments, often despite resident concerns about noise.
Councils continue to grant late-night licences for food and drink establishments despite resident concerns about noise. In October 2026, Kingston upon Thames' Licensing Sub-Committee granted Serve Bar and Café a late licence, and Tower Hamlets Council approved a late-night licence for a McDonald's restaurant, both following resident objections. Similarly, Wandsworth's Licensing Sub-Committee granted Regine Pizzeria a licence in July 2026 despite noise concerns.
Other licensing applications have faced scrutiny, with Kingston Council's Licensing Sub-Committee deferring a decision on a KFC licence in August 2026 due to resident concerns. Kensington and Chelsea Council's Licensing Sub-Committee heard an application from Smoke and Pepper in August 2026 to extend its hours, which met strong opposition over potential noise. Noise is also a factor in planning applications, such as a proposed healthcare centre in Kingston upon Thames in September 2026.
Beyond local premises, Richmond Council formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in August 2026, citing significant concerns over noise, air quality, and climate change. This highlights ongoing discussions about noise impacts from major infrastructure projects as well as local developments.
Key facts
- Serve Bar and Café in Kingston upon Thames was granted a late licence by the Licensing Sub-Committee on 20 October 2026, despite resident concerns. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council's Licensing Sub Committee approved a late-night licence for McDonald's at 2 Trafalgar Way on 2 October 2026, despite resident concerns over noise. Source
- Residents raised concerns over potential increases in noise regarding a proposed healthcare rehabilitation centre discussed by Kingston upon Thames Planning Committee on 16 September 2026. Source
- Kingston Council's Licensing Sub-Committee deferred a decision on a KFC licence application on 13 August 2026 due to resident concerns. Source
- Richmond Council formally objected to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement on 12 August 2026, citing significant concerns over noise. Source 1 Source 2
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 21 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.