A MCDONALD’S drive-through has been given the go-ahead to open around the clock, but only for a year’s trial period.

Southend councillors voted to approve plans by the global fast food giant to keep its branch on the Southend Airport retail park open 24 hours a day, seven days a week But they decided to add a condition the hours would only apply for 12 months to see how it goes, in response to concerns from people living nearby.

Some neighbours are concerned their lives could be blighted by noisy revellers turning out from pubs and clubs.

The restaurant currently has a licence to sell fast food from 7am to 11pm every day.

Ronald Bull, 76, of Manners Way, said he objected to the plans.

He said: “I’m totally against it, like quite a few other neighbours of mine.

“As it is, we get all the rubbish thrown from cars which pull up.

“We are also worried about the boy racers coming around the roundabout in the early hours.”

Planning officer Charlotte Galforg told Tuesday’s meeting: “Officers are content the restaurant is away from residential properties and on a busy highway.

“The impact of the changed hours will not be significant.”

She said there had just been one letter of objection from a neighbour concerned about increased rubbish, noise and traffic.

Councillors were swayed by the offer of McDonald’s to change the hours only for a year initially, to see if there were any problems.

Ted Lewin (Lib Dem, St Laurence) called for a six-month trial period instead.

He said: “All the ward councillors are concerned about the possible disturbance caused to residents.

“They’re already facing in-creased noise and disturbance from airport expansion.”

Christopher Walker (Con, Eastwood Park) added: “It’s the types they attract, the boy racer brigade disturbing neighbours.

“I’m with Ted on the six-month period.”