UPDATE: Decision

We’re pleased to say that Papa John’s have withdrawn their application due to pressure from local groups and councillors. We will continue to keep an eye on any future applications for round the clock deliveries.

Summary

EGRA has submitted a formal objection to the licensing application from Papa John’s, 119 Woolwich Road, SE10, which seeks to extend their licence for hot food takeaway from 11pm to 5am daily. If granted, this would effectively allow the premises to operate 24 hours a day, with deliveries continuing through the night.

While the business has proposed not to admit members of the public between 2am–5am, this does not apply to delivery drivers — and it is precisely this activity that has caused consistent disturbance and safety concerns for nearby residents, particularly on Fingal Street.

Our Objection: Based on Key Licensing Objectives

We are objecting on the following licensing grounds:

1. Prevention of Public Nuisance

• Residents on Fingal Street experience persistent noise from delivery scooters late into the night, making it impossible to sleep with windows open.

• Delivery mopeds use the street as a cut-through, despite traffic filters in place, creating disruption and danger.

• Residents have reported groups of people loitering at night, loud music from vehicles, and regular littering of takeaway packaging linked to the business.

• Waste management has historically been poor — Papa John’s has been the subject of complaints to the council (Case Ref: 736174) for leaving open food waste bags on the street, attracting birds and creating a public health hazard.

2. Public Safety

• Delivery riders mount pavements and drive over cycle lanes to evade bollards at the top of Fingal Street.

• This behaviour is illegal, dangerous and in breach of the Public Spaces Protection Order currently in place for East Greenwich.

• A child has already been struck by a delivery scooter in the area — we are extremely concerned this could happen again.

What We’re Asking For

We are urging the Licensing Authority to refuse this application, on the grounds of:

• Prolonged noise and disturbance to residents

• Ongoing dangerous driving and illegal access

• Escalating public health and safety concerns

Resident Evidence

This objection is backed by:

• Photographs showing illegal parking, waste left on pavements, and mopeds mounting kerbs

• Witness accounts from residents on Fingal Street of unacceptable behaviour and environmental impact

“I live on Fingal Street, which is a quiet residential street close to Papa Johns. At the top of Fingal Street, which leads onto the Woolwich Road, there are bollards (traffic filters) that as far as I am aware only allow emergency/ council vehicle access. Delivery drivers constantly drive their motorbikes at speed up and down Fingal Street, using it as a cut through - cutting across the bollards, pavement and cycle lane - to get to the main road and the various take aways on the Woolwich Road, including Papa Johns. I have witnessed a child get run over by a pizza delivery driver on Fingal Street and believe its only a matter of time before it happens to someone else. It can also be dangerous walking onto Fingal Street when drivers drive out onto the pavement.”

Working with Local Businesses

As part of our Neighbourhood Plan, EGRA is looking for ways to work with local businesses so that community life and commercial activity can support one another. However, the current operation of Papa John’s has shown a lack of responsibility. Extending their hours will only make a difficult situation worse.

We want businesses to succeed — but not at the expense of residents’ right to a safe and peaceful home.

Want to Get Involved?

• Share your views with us by emailing: info@egra.london

• Submit your own objection directly to the licensing team: Licensing@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

• View the full application via the Royal Borough of Greenwich website using reference: 21704