The City of Sydney has decisively rejected McDonald’s plan to establish a new outlet in Newtown, following significant opposition from local residents and law enforcement who believe the fast-food giant would disrupt the community’s character.

McDonald’s Australia had sought approval to construct a $1.7 million restaurant at 212-214 King Street, with plans to operate around the clock, every day of the week. However, this proposal met with considerable resistance.

During a council meeting where the local planning panel reviewed the proposal, residents expressed their strong objections.

“Newtown has a heart, and King Street is central to that. The community cherishes this street, and it would be disheartening to see McDonald’s come in, overshadowing the small businesses that residents hold dear,” expressed Liam Coffey, reflecting the sentiments of many locals.

“Newtown has a heart. King Street has a heart. People love this street. I love this street and I would be so upset if a McDonald’s can just come in here and take over, boot out all the small businesses that these residents love,” Liam Coffey said.

“There’s going to be no toilets there. There’s no loading zone. There’s nowhere to park. So this is all infrastructure stuff that is going to trash our neighbourhood. It’s going to clog up the area,” Michaela Davies said.

NSW Police had also raised concerns, saying a 24/7 McDonald’s in Newtown could increase anti-social behaviour, exacerbate traffic congestion that negatively impacts pedestrian and road safety, and lift the number of crime reports.

The proposal was officially recommended for refusal this evening due to its reliance on an on-street loading zone and the footpath for deliveries, and inconsistent trading hours with other local businesses.

It was also found not to account for or comply with the public domain, waste management, transport and parking and social and environmental responsibilities.

Council also noted that it received more than 1400 submissions from the public, with the majority of those in objection.

“It is therefore concluded that the proposal is not suitable for the site and is not in the public interest. The application is recommended for refusal,” the assessed application read.

The recommendation of refusal was adopted after the matter was put to members of the meeting, and ayes and clapping rang out across the chamber.

9news.com.au has contacted McDonald’s Australia for comment. 

The City of Sydney knocked back a similar McDonald’s proposal to bring a restaurant to Redfern in May. 

The community feared it would bring crime to the area, with an overwhelming majority of submissions from the public also being against the plan.

Residents won their fight against a McDonald’s in Manly Vale and Mount Evelyn.

Melburnians are in a similar fight against a plan for a McDonald’s in what could be the city’s equivalent of Newtown’s King Street – 323 High Street in Northcote.