The Licensing Sub-Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Morley's Chicken at 24 Roehampton High Street, London, SW15 4HJ. After hearing representations from the applicant and local residents, the subcommittee decided to grant the licence with modified hours and additional conditions.

Morley's Chicken Premises Licence Application

The subcommittee considered an application for a new premises licence for Morley's Chicken, located at 24 Roehampton High Street, London, SW15 4HJ. The applicant, Sabartnam Jeyakkumar, sought permission for late-night refreshment between 23:00 and 02:00 from Sunday to Wednesday, and 23:00 to 03:00 from Thursday to Saturday.

The Metropolitan Police initially raised concerns about the proposed late hours and requested the installation of a CCTV system. The applicant agreed to reduce the hours to 02:00 seven days a week, in line with the council's policy for late-night refreshment premises, and also agreed to implement CCTV conditions. These amendments led to the withdrawal of the police's representation.

However, ten representations were received from other persons, primarily citing concerns related to public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety. These concerns included:

• Litter and Waste: Residents reported significant amounts of litter, including chicken bones, accumulating around the premises, posing a hazard to pedestrians, pets, and wildlife.
• Anti-social Behaviour and Noise: Concerns were raised about increased congregations of people, noise from customers, delivery drivers, and vehicles, particularly late at night, impacting the quality of life for local residents and potentially attracting intoxicated individuals.
• Crime and Disorder: Residents highlighted existing issues with anti-social behaviour, drug-related activity, and vandalism in the area, and expressed fears that extended hours would exacerbate these problems.
• Traffic and Pedestrian Safety: Issues were raised regarding delivery drivers causing obstruction and posing a risk to pedestrians, as well as cars blocking residential access.
• Impact on Residential Amenity: Several representations noted that the premises is located in a predominantly residential area, and that late-night operations would be incompatible with the character of the neighbourhood and the need for residents to sleep.

During the hearing, Shan, representing the applicant, addressed the concerns, highlighting Morley's Chicken's experience in operating late-night establishments and their commitment to community safety, including initiatives like the Strut campaign which offers refuge to women. They explained measures to manage litter, such as staff monitoring outside areas and regular waste clearance. Regarding noise and congregations, the applicant stated that notices would be displayed requesting patrons to leave quietly, and that SIA security could be employed if necessary.

Reverend Joshua Ray, Vicar of Roehampton, and Anna Pritchard, a local resident, presented their objections. Reverend Ray expressed a desire for Roehampton to be a more orderly and flourishing community, resisting the proliferation of late-night fast-food outlets. Anna Pritchard detailed her personal experiences with litter, anti-social behaviour, and traffic issues on Roehampton High Street, noting that Morley's Chicken had not attended a community meeting addressing these concerns.

After considering all representations and evidence, the subcommittee made a decision. The full details of the decision, including the reasons and any legal guidance, will be confirmed in writing within five working days.