A chicken shop's bid to open until the early hours every morning from the site of an old Italian restaurant has sparked concerns over noise and children's safety.

Chickeros Chicken Chigwell is set to take over the former premises of Casa Pipino, an Italian restaurant on the corner of Chigwell Road and Smeaton Road that closed last summer. 

The chicken shop has applied to Epping Forest District Council open until 3am every day, with home delivery between 1am and 3am.

The application has divided the community.

The venue is around five minutes' walk from West Hatch School. One Facebook user warned of the danger of road accidents, writing: "Massive risk to children especially as they get excited by these things.

"It will be rammed constantly and the kids already just cross the road without looking sometimes. It's a risk getting there after school with the amount of cars parked on the pavement and cars passing normally.

Ilford Recorder: Concerns have been raised over the plans for several reasonsConcerns have been raised over the plans for several reasons (Image: Google Maps)

"There will be hundreds of kids trying to get there at the same time. It would just be so chaotic."

Others have voiced concerns over litter and the level of noise the proposed food delivery service would make early in the mornings. 

However, some are in favour of the plans. 

One wrote: "Be nice to get chicken and chips after the pub. Bring it on."

Casa Pipino announced to its followers on Instagram on June 2, 2023 that it would be closing after 15 years serving the Chigwell community. 

The post did not mention the reason for the closure. 

This paper contacted Chickeros Chicken Chigwell for a response to concerns but did not hear back.

People can comment on the application until March 5 by emailing licensing@eppingforestdc.gov.uk.