McDonald’s largest UK franchisee has secured a 24-hour premises licence for its Leicester Square restaurant, despite the application being opposed by the Metropolitan Police, the licensing authority and environmental health officers.

Capital Arches, which operates 45 McDonald’s restaurants across London and has an annual turnover of more than £180m, previously had to close the Leicester Square site at 3am.

The licence was granted as an exception to Westminster Council’s cumulative impact policy, under which applicants must demonstrate genuinely exceptional circumstances and show that their premises will not add to the existing impact of licenced venues in the area.

Capital Arches argued that its high-profile presence, proactive management and more than one million annual customers at the site already make a positive contribution to the local area and public realm.

The decision means the Leicester Square restaurant can now operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.