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Andy Miller, a resident of Northcote and a vocal opponent of the proposed development, expressed his disappointment over the recent decision but remains hopeful that the fight isn’t finished.
“Campaigns opposing McDonald’s are gaining momentum across the country,” he noted.
In November, Darebin council members voted 6-3 against the planning proposal, which resurfaced last week. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) ruled that the concerns from locals and businesses about the fast-food chain not matching the area’s character were irrelevant to the planning decision.
Miller criticized the VCAT tribunal for dismissing the community’s worries about how McDonald’s could disrupt Northcote’s close-knit social environment.
A petition against the development has gathered over 11,300 signatures, indicating strong local opposition.
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.
Locals said the late-night opening hours would compromise the suburb’s “unique character”.
The sting of the Golden Arches is a little more painful for local burger joint 300 Grams, which is just a few doors down from the proposed site.
But owner Norm Khzam told 9News he hopes residents will stay loyal to his business.
“We wouldn’t open a couple of doors down from another burger shop, but at the same time we are confident in what we do,” he said.
Time Out magazine last year named the buzzy High Street as number one in its “world’s coolest street” rankings.
“Macca’s relies on the fact that councils and communities get exhausted,” Miller said, adding that Northcote residents will “regroup” and assess their options.
It is difficult to appeal a VCAT decision.
Tribunal decisions can only be appealed in the Victorian Supreme Court.
Community members will gather for a “Fast Food Forum” next week to discuss who suburbs can ”protect [themselves] against these powerful chains and reform the planning system that enables their proliferation”.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s said the fast good giant welcomed the outcome and that the application had been “fairly and rightly assessed”.
“The restaurant represents an investment of more than $2 million and reflects McDonald’s ongoing commitment to employment-generating development across Victoria,” the spokesperson said.
“The restaurant will be owned and operated by a local Franchisee, who will contribute to the local area through employment, access to training and development opportunities, and supporting local community organisations.”
McDonald’s previously argued the development would generate around 100 jobs during construction and 100 full-time, part-time and casual jobs once it is open.
It is scheduled to open later this year.
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