A 24/7 McDonald's has been approved on one of Melbourne's trendiest streets, despite fierce opposition from residents.
A 24/7 McDonald's has been approved to be built on one of Melbourne's trendiest streets despite fierce opposition from residents who claim it will damage the suburb's "social fabric".
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) reversed a decision by Darebin City Council on Friday to block the Macca's from opening at a fire-damaged vacant lot at 323 High Steet in Northcote.
Northcote resident Andy Miller, who fought alongside the council to block the development, said it was a "disappointing" outcome but was confident the battle was not over.
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"McDonald's may have succeeded up to this point in this skirmish, but the campaign to halt the spread of these fast-food goliaths is far from over," Miller told Nine.com.au.
"'No Macca's Campaigns' are increasing nationally."
Darebin councillors in November voted 6-3 in opposition to the planning motion and the proposal returned to the table last week, with VCAT finding that concern from locals and businesses that the fast food outlet did not fit the vibe were not relevant to the planning application.
Miller said the VCAT tribunal was not interested in community outrage over the potential for Macca's to ruin the "social fabric" of Northcote's tight-knit community.
A petition against the proposal attracted more than 11,300 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.
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.
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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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