RESIDENTS in Muswell Hill are fighting plans to renew the late night licence of a fast food restaurant.

Licensee Akram Khan has submitted an application to renew the night caf licence of Kentucky Fried Chicken in Muswell Hill Broadway.

But residents have bombarded Haringey Council's planning department with complaints. They are concerned about noise generated by extractor fans, overflowing litterbins and spillage from discarded oil containers.

They have also expressed fears about inadequate security measures and a rise in anti-social and violent behaviour.

The concerns have been raised by the Muswell Hill Broadway and Dukes Mews Neighbourhood Watch who have been trying to work with Mr Khan to address the issues and make improvements.

Mr Khan was said to have implemented a seven-point plan to deal with problems, which included staff litter-picking patrols and works to ventilation units but, so far, residents remain unimpressed.

Resident Paul Wallace said: "The amount of noise which is being generated by the various cooling and extractor fans has become even worse.

"The problem of waste and refuse has been improved, however there are still not enough wheelie bins and the lids are left wide open.

"Strong cooking smells permeate into my home and a new venting and extracting system added to the rear of the building has made no improvement, which ruins a good night's sleep and the overall quality of life."

Last year, four neighbourhood watch groups in Muswell Hill failed to close down a number of late night entertainment venues including KFC.

KFC's application will be considered at a meeting of the council's licensing sub-committee on Tuesday.

May 29, 2003 12:00