Residents of trendy Melbourne suburb lose bid to block 24/7 McDonald’s store

Northcote resident Andy Miller, who fought alongside the council to block the development, said it was a “disappointing” outcome but was confident the fight was not over.

“The ‘No Macca’s campaigns’ are increasing nationally.”

Darebin councilors voted 6-3 against the planning motion in November and the proposal was returned to the table last week, with VCAT ruling that concerns from locals and businesses that the fast food chain did not suit the atmosphere were not relevant to the planning application.

Miller said the VCAT tribunal was not interested in hearing community outrage over the possibility of Macca’s ruining the “social fabric” of the close-knit community of Northcote.

A petition against the proposal attracted more than 11,300 signatures.

Many feared the proposed convenience restaurant would spoil the mix of local restaurants, hip bars, boutiques and live music venues along the High Street, which runs past the suburbs of Northcote, Thornbury and Preston.

Locals said opening hours late into the evening 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 away from the proposed location.

But owner Norm Khzam told 9News he hopes residents will remain loyal to his business.

“We wouldn’t open a few doors down from another burger shop, but at the same time we’re confident in what we’re doing,” he said.

Time-out magazine named the bustling High Street number one in its ranking of ‘the world’s coolest street’ last year.

“Macca’s is banking on the fact that councils and communities are becoming 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 to the Victorian Supreme Court.

Community members will meet next week for a ‘Fast Food Forum’ to discuss who can ‘protect’ suburbs [themselves] against these powerful chains and reform the planning system that enables their spread.”

A McDonald’s spokesperson said the fast good giant welcomed the outcome and that the application had been “fairly and justly assessed”.

“The restaurant represents an investment of more than $2 million and reflects McDonald’s ongoing commitment to job-generating development across Victoria,” the spokesperson said.

“The restaurant will be owned and operated by a local franchisee, who will contribute to the local environment through employment, access to training and development opportunities and supporting local community organisations.”

McDonald’s previously argued that the development would create approximately 100 jobs during construction and 100 full-time, part-time and casual jobs once it opens.

The opening is scheduled for later this year.

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