Plans for new 24-hour Macca's rejected by trendy Aussie suburb
A plan to build a 24-hour McDonald's restaurant in one of Melbourne's trendiest suburbs has been knocked back following a fierce community backlash.
Darebin councillors yesterday voted 6-3 in opposition to the planning motion to transform a fire damaged and vacant building at 323 High Street, in the northern suburb of Northcote, into a convenience restaurant.
McDonald's did not need to seek planning permission because the site was in a commercial zone and and didn't require a permit to become a fast-food outlet.
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Plans by McDonald's to build a new convenience restaurant in a trendy Melbourne suburbs have been rejected. A Current Affair
Planning officers told the council meeting that four years ago the site was granted a redevelopment permit, and the new application just altered the permit to enable the building of a restaurant.
But over past months, the plan has triggered strong opposition from Northcote residents and businesses.
A petition against the proposal attracted more than 11,000 signatures.
Many feared the proposed convenience restaurant would spoil the blend of local restaurants, hip bars, boutique shops and live music venues that run along High Street, which runs along the suburbs of Northcote, Thornbury and Preston.
Time Out magazine last year named the buzzy High Street as number one in its "world's coolest street" rankings.
In its planning application, McDonald's said converting the site to a restaurant would create more than 100 local jobs and help the Northcote community.
A spokesperson for McDonald's said the company was disappointed with the council's decision.
"We see strong potential in Northcote and are reviewing our options.
"The Northcote site is appropriately zoned for commercial use, and our application meets all planning requirements.
"We value community feedback and are committed to being a good neighbour and playing an active role in the local community.
"The proposed restaurant represents an investment of more than $2 million and will mean more than 100 new local jobs, as well as more support for local community groups in the area.
"We've been part of Melbourne communities since 1973, employing thousands of people, serving up a locally sourced menu and providing convenient destinations for customers looking for great everyday value and those iconic Macca's moments."
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