A fast food giant is facing a fight to secure a licence to stay open until the early hours amid fears over noise and littering.
McDonald’s is bidding to keep their outlet at Inshes Retail Park in Inverness open until 2am.
But the application has led to objections from two local community council and householders.
They raise a number of concerns, including car noise, litter, a lack of consultation and potential damage to houses.
The fast food company has applied to Highland Council for a late hours catering licence.
At present the restaurant can stay open until midnight.
The council’s licensing committee will consider extended opening hours when it meets next week.
Among the objectors was Inverness South Community Council, which said it only discovered about the proposal from a notice at the door of the restaurant.
Secretary Bob Roberts said the community council was concerned bout the outlet becoming an “inconvenience to the local residents late at night and especially early in the morning”.
He added: “Since the opening of the restaurant there has been more litter, not just around the restaurant but further afield.
“There has also been more vandalism in Inshes District Park, reported to the community council and the police.”
Their concerns were backed by neighbouring community council Culcabock and Drakies, which also raised a concern about littering.
A standard letter signed by a number of residents of nearby Dellness Way was also submitted raising similar concerns.
The McDonald’s first opened in October last year and is the international chain’s second branch in Inverness.
A spokeswoman for the fast food chain said the extended hours would create up to 10 extra jobs and “provide a convenient choice for customers living outside of the nine-to-five routine”.
She added: “We’re aware of a small number of concerns raised following our application and have attempted to engage with local community representatives on a number of occasions.
“We’re not aware of any issues with anti-social behaviour at this restaurant since opening in October last year and play our part in tackling litter in the surrounding area by carrying out three extensive litter patrols daily.
“Our priority remains to be a good neighbour and we will continue to work closely with the local council throughout this process to ensure all concerns are addressed.”
