Living in Fulham: How Late-Night Takeaways Transform the Neighbourhood into a Nightmarish Experience

A chicken shop in Fulham has been granted extended opening hours, despite numerous objections, including concerns from the council’s own licensing team due to the already saturated late-night takeaway scene in the area. Selekt Chicken, located on North End Road, has received a six-month licence permitting it to operate until 11pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and until 11.30pm from Thursday to Saturday.

The establishment initially sought permission to remain open until midnight during weekdays, while requesting a closing time of 1am on weekends. However, this request was revised prior to a meeting of the Hammersmith and Fulham Council Licensing Sub-Committee, limiting late-night activity to deliveries only after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, following discussions with the Metropolitan Police.

Community Concerns Persist Despite Amendments

Despite these adjustments, the council’s Noise and Nuisance team, Licensing department, and over 40 local residents maintained their objections. John Garcia, a Nuisance Investigator, expressed concerns in his representation, noting that the premises are situated in a mixed residential and commercial area and that extending late-night operations would likely lead to “significant disturbance.”

Local councillor Lydia Paynter also voiced her objections, stating, “This is a densely residential area, where residents already report that restaurant operations, including takeaway and delivery, disrupt sleep, create nuisance, excess littering, and contribute to antisocial behaviour. I do not believe this application supports the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of public nuisance.”

A representation from the Vanston Place Management Company, which oversees 42 apartments in nearby Dungannon House, highlighted the challenges posed by the increase in delivery drivers in the vicinity. “Although we have CCTV, this doesn’t seem to stop them. While hard to prove, it appears that delivery drivers are often responsible for certain nuisances, as they seem to have nowhere else to relieve themselves. This area is a well-documented hotspot for antisocial behaviour, and an increase in business hours will only exacerbate the situation, not alleviate it.”

Residents Voice Disturbances and Safety Concerns

During the meeting, Councillor Sam Kelly, representing the Walham Green ward, reiterated that residents have consistently raised concerns about disturbances. He indicated that the proposed amendments did not sufficiently address potential impacts, noting that local residents cannot simply avoid the area to escape the noise.

Yann Prissette, a resident speaking on behalf of others, described the worsening issues as night falls. “I suffer from the noise from delivery mopeds arriving and idling, riders congregating outside, and food orders being delivered. There’s also litter left in the street, vibrations from delivery trucks, and I have witnessed drug use in my alleyway. The situation deteriorates as the night progresses.”

Another resident, Henry Blomfield, referred to data indicating that North End Road is among the 24 streets in the borough most affected by crime and nuisance. “Approximately a third of reported crime occurs in just two per cent of the streets, of which North End Road is included. This is significant, and as a resident, you can feel the impact, especially at night.”

Business Appeals for Extended Hours

Zalkay Hazarbuz, the manager of Selekt Chicken, urged the committee to consider the “significant steps” taken by the applicant to mitigate concerns, highlighting that the request for a 1am closing time was being withdrawn and that the shop would collaborate closely with the police to address any issues.

In a letter submitted to the council prior to the meeting, Ahmad Farid Sultan, the applicant, stated that the later opening hours were “important for the effective running of the business.” He added, “These hours allow us sufficient time to complete cleaning procedures, manage stock responsibly, and reduce unnecessary food waste. The current restrictions impose a significant financial burden on the business, leading to wasted food that has already been prepared.”

During the meeting, confusion arose regarding the requested hours among both councillors and residents. Mr Hazarbuz clarified that the shop was not intended to operate 24 hours, stating, “We are not open 24 hours. What I can promise is that we will cease deliveries from 11pm.”

Councillors Debate Before Decision

In his concluding remarks, Adrian Overton, the Licensing Team Manager at the council, reiterated the importance of the premises being located in “a very noise-sensitive area” with a documented history of disturbances. He expressed surprise at the applicant’s assertion that they expected only a few deliveries in the final hour of operation, stating, “I can’t quite get my head around that.”

Following an extensive private deliberation lasting nearly an hour, councillors reconvened, with Cllr Mercy Umeh, chair of the sub-committee, announcing the approval of the application. The decision included not only the reduced opening hours but also five additional conditions, such as conducting two litter picks daily, a six-month licence expiry, and displaying signs to encourage patrons to dispose of their waste properly.

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