BURGER giant McDonald’s has submitted plans to increase the hours of service at one of its Swindon restaurants.

The restaurant chain has put forward an application to Swindon Council’s planning committee to allow its restaurant in Great Western Way to trade for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The application was submitted by local franchisee Paul Booth, who owns eight McDonald’s restaurants across Swindon and Cirencester.

Mr Booth, who opened his first McDonald’s franchise in Swindon in 2001, already has one 24-hour restaurant at Greenbridge Retail park.

The application is for the change in trading to only be in place for a 12-month trial to see how it affects sales.

Mr Booth has engaged with the local community and customers to discuss the proposals and 971 people signed an in-restaurant petition, supporting the plans to open longer.

A briefing letter was also hand-delivered to the nearest 500 residential properties.

The restaurant successfully varied its opening hours in 2010, allowing the restaurant to trade between the hours of 5am and midnight seven days a week.

In the application McDonald’s said: “There is support for the proposed 24-hour operation in the local community.

“Comments from the Environmental Health Team focused around the issue of litter late at night.

“The franchisee confirmed he is committed to controlling litter from the site and that the restaurant carries out litter patrols throughout the day.

“Despite the positive findings from the consultation undertaken we appreciate there may be concerns about the proposed 24-hour trading and for this reason, permission is sought for a trial period.”