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Southwark set to rule on McDonald’s plan for old Temple Bar pub site
Southwark's planning committee has been advised to approve a branch at 284-286 Walworth Road, open 6am to midnight daily. The plans drew 55 objections, and two local MPs also raised concerns.
Key facts
- McDonald's wants to open at 284-286 Walworth Road, the former Temple Bar pub
- Southwark's planning committee decides on Wednesday 7 October and has been advised to approve
- Proposed hours 6am to midnight every day, with up to 120 seats
- 55 objections and eight representations in support were received in the consultation
Southwark Council’s planning committee will decide on Wednesday 7 October whether McDonald’s can open a restaurant at 284-286 Walworth Road. Councillors have been advised to approve the plans.
The building was once the Temple Bar pub and is now occupied by Poundland. As part of its application, McDonald’s has also asked to change the hours the site is allowed to open.
The chain shut its previous restaurant further along the road, at 198-200 Walworth Road, in November 2025. It had traded there for more than 40 years. At the time, McDonald’s blamed local redevelopment plans for the closure and said staff would move to restaurants nearby.
Proposed opening hours on Walworth Road
The new branch would trade from 6am to midnight, seven days a week. The old one opened at 5am and closed at midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, then ran round the clock from Thursday to Saturday. The plans include a rear extension and seating for up to 120 diners.
Deliveries and refuse collections would be allowed between 7am and 11pm on Mondays to Saturdays. On Sundays and public holidays they would be limited to 9am to 8pm.
Why objectors oppose the plans
The council’s consultation drew 55 objections, against eight representations backing the scheme. Noise was a common complaint, along with the risk of anti-social behaviour, including “disorderly” customers. Some argued the area already had too many fast food and takeaway outlets. Others raised air quality and “odour pollution” from the kitchen extraction system.
Several residents feared that delivery drivers would cause congestion and block the road, putting road safety at risk.
Neil Coyle, a local MP, objected after a resident contacted him. Miatta Fahnbulleh, also an MP for the area, passed on a resident’s concerns as well. The Walworth Society opposed the plans, and so did the local governing body at St Paul’s Church of England primary school.
Those backing the application say it would bring jobs and help the local economy. They also say it suits the character of the high street.
Key questions
When will Southwark decide on the Walworth Road McDonald's?
The planning committee considers the application on Wednesday 7 October and has been advised to approve it.
What hours would the new Walworth Road McDonald's open?
It would trade from 6am to midnight, seven days a week.
Why did the old Walworth Road McDonald's close?
McDonald's said in November 2025 that local redevelopment plans were behind the closure.
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