McDonald’s could be returning to Walworth Road once again as it has set its sights on opening a new branch, with Southwark councillors expected to approve plans at a meeting this Wednesday.
The fast food giant has submitted plans to Southwark Council for a new branch at 284-286 Walworth Road and has sought to vary the permitted opening hours of the site.
The site, which was once home to the Temple Bar pub, has since been replaced by Poundland. According to Google, Poundland is still in operation at the site.
In November 2025, McDonald’s closed its well-known branch at 198-200 Walworth Road after operating for more than 40 years.
A McDonald’s spokesperson said at the time that it was closing its Walworth Road branch due to local redevelopment plans, with staff relocated to nearby restaurants.
The previous store operated from 5am to midnight Sunday to Wednesday, and for 24 hours a day from Thursday to Saturday.
The new site intends to operate from 6am to midnight every day of the week.
The plans also include dining space for up to 120 customers and a rear extension.
Deliveries, servicing and refuse collections are set to take place from 7am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 8pm on Sundays and public holidays.
During the public consultation, the plans received 55 objections and eight representations in support. Objectors have raised concerns over noise and potential anti-social behaviour, including “disorderly” customer behaviour.
An over-concentration of fast food and takeaways in the area, and increased air and “odour pollution” from the kitchen extraction system have also been listed as objections.
Some locals had concerns over potential transport impacts from delivery drivers, including congestion, obstruction of the highway and road safety impacts. Objections were also raised by two local MPs, Neil Coyle and Miatta Fahnbulleh, who each relayed concerns from a resident, respectively.
The Walworth Society and the local governing body of St Paul’s CofE Primary School objected to the plans too. However, those in support of the application believe it has local economic and employment benefits, along with it being in character with the local high street.
Southwark Council’s Planning Committee has been recommended to approve the plans at its meeting on Wednesday, October 7.
