Residents living near an indoor food court say they are being plagued by a continual smell of cooking they claim is clinging to their clothes.

The Food District is an indoor food court located between Paddington and Marylebone, on Edgware Road, offering cuisine from 15 different regions across the world. Food Entrepreneur Shaz Khan, who is behind the enterprise, is also known for the similar market-style food court 5 Continents, in Stratford.

Some locals say that the aromas from the vast array of dining options is clinging to their clothes, curtains and bed linen.

One resident told a Westminster City Council Licensing Sub-Committee that he was unable to open his window before the food court closes at 11pm.

Mr Duncan, who has lived at Water Gardens on Edgware Road for 26 years, said: “Our home life has been severely disrupted this year by the pollution coming from the food district and other restaurants.”

“I think it’s important to recall that what we’re discussing has a direct impact on local residents,” he added.

The issues were raised anew following an application by The Food District to stay open to the public until 2am from Monday to Saturday. At a hearing last Thursday (August 27), councillors heard that the premises were not currently operating with the correct classification of planning permission.

A Westminster City Council officer told the sub-committee that granting the permission would be unlawful in planning terms.

Legal counsel for the applicant said that The Food District used a high-standard extraction and ventilation system.

He added that The Food District could not be held responsible for any cumulative impact caused by the numerous food businesses in close proximity on Edgware Road.

“The Food District established a responsible food-led business with a proven track record,” said Mr Khan.

“We have 15 family-run operators, over 50 staff, no alcohol, no regulated entertainment, a full year of compliant trading, no enforcement history, a proactive relationship with the police, a willingness to accept all reasonable conditions.

“We are not asking the committee to take a chance on an unknown operator. We are asking you to judge this application based on the business that has actually been operating for the past year.”

The Food District agreed to a number of proposed conditions, such as having two SIA trained security staff on the door after 11pm and stopping takeaway orders at the same time.

A final decision on the hours extension will be made within five working days of the hearing.