KFC Kings Cross granted council approval to expand operating hours after resident concerns over noise, ‘food smells’

The smell of frying chicken wafting into residences is at the centre of a battle between unit owners and KFC over the trading hours of the company’s Kings Cross fast food outlet.

Owners of a ritzy Kings Cross apartment building are kicking up a stink over late-night trading plans by a nearby fast food restaurant over concerns the stench of fried food will waft into their units.

Rubbish, noise, food smells, and “anti-social impacts” are among concerns raised by residents in response to plans by KFC to expand the operating hours of a fast food outlet near the famous Kings Cross Coca Cola sign on Darlinghurst Rd.

The restaurant is located on the ground level of the $262 million Omnia apartment building which is home to more than 130 residents and has had apartments selling for as high as $13.7 million.

KFC – which is currently allowed to trade until 2am on Thursday to Saturday nights – has now been given council approval to increase trade hours from 11.30pm until 2am on all other nights of the week.

The restaurant would also be able to open earlier during morning periods with approval to open doors from 7am, an increase from the current 10am limits.

The KFC at Kings Cross.

Strata managers for the Omnia building have opposed the move, fearing the extending hours will have a detrimental impact on units directly above the building.

“The smell of frying oil travelling up the exhaust risers will cause considerable discomfort for residents,” the building’s strata body wrote in a submission opposing the plans.

“We already find the current situation challenging (and) extending trading hours until 2am would exacerbate this issue.”

The restaurant is located on the ground level of the Omnia apartment building.

A photo of discarded food packaging outside the restaurant and captured by residents.

Concerned residents have also supplied the City of Sydney with photos appearing to show rubbish and food packaging left behind by patrons outside the restaurant.

The strata body – which represents the building’s residents – claimed the existing premises “is not being maintained to an acceptable standard” and that the extended hours “would only worsen this situation”.

Mechanical ventilation was another area of concern with residents claiming the system causes significant disturbance to occupants.

Residents have taken photographs of rubbish outside the restaurant.

“(Ventilation) passes through the residential area and releases on the rooftop. This results in a substantial loss of amenity, particularly affecting residents on the upper levels,” the submission stated.

“Further, the increased presence of diners would negatively contribute to the peace of residents.”

KFC – in its plans for the extending trading hours – noted the restaurant is located in a designated late-night trading area where night-time activity is permitted.

The fast food retailer said the restaurant would comply with the City of Sydney’s guidelines for extended trading to ensure “responsible management of safety, noise, and community impacts.”

“All staff will be trained to understand and comply with the conditions (and) outdoor seating areas will be regularly cleaned and waste bins will be provided and emptied on a consistent basis,” the plans stated.

The council – in approving the extended trading hours – stated that “late night trading premises are an important part of Sydney’s social and cultural life and play an important role in contributing to the city’s economic growth and standing as a global city.”

“The proposed base trading hours are reasonable, noting the location of the site within a late night trading area,” the council stated.

In a statement, a KFC spokesman said the company was “excited” that the plans have been approved.

“The decision comes off the back of customer feedback and has been met with a positive reception from local customers,” he said.