Key Takeaways
- The Bendigo council has rejected a proposal for a new McDonald’s restaurant in Strathfieldsaye due to concerns about traffic, signage, and health impacts.
- The decision was made despite council officers recommending approval of the proposal, and McDonald’s has indicated it will review its options to pursue the site further.
- A similar proposal for a McDonald’s restaurant in Northcote was also rejected by the City of Darebin, with councillors citing concerns about the impact on the local community.
- The Victorian government is considering changes to planning provisions to allow councils to consider health and food security when assessing development applications.
- Councils are currently required to assess development applications purely on planning grounds, but can consider social and environmental impacts.
Introduction to the Controversy
The recent decisions by the Bendigo and Darebin councils to reject proposals for new McDonald’s restaurants have sparked controversy and debate about the role of fast food outlets in local communities. In Bendigo, councillor Damien Hurrell spoke out against the proposal, citing his own personal experience of frequenting fast food outlets and the negative impact it had on his health. Hurrell questioned whether a fast food outlet was an appropriate use of the land, which is zoned mixed-use and intended to blend small and medium businesses with medium-density residential areas.
Concerns about Traffic and Signage
Other councillors in Bendigo raised concerns about the potential increase in traffic and the impact on local residents, particularly children who walk or ride to school. Strathfieldsaye resident Rob Stephenson, a leading opponent of the development, welcomed the council’s decision and pledged to join the council’s defence if McDonald’s were to appeal the decision at VCAT. The presence of a McDonald’s restaurant and the accompanying increase in traffic may deter families from riding or walking to school, Stephenson said. The Victorian government is considering including health and food security in planning provisions, which would allow councils to decide on fast food development applications on dietary grounds alone.
The Northcote Proposal
In Melbourne, the City of Darebin voted 6-3 against a permit application from McDonald’s to build a 24-hour restaurant on High Street in Northcote. Similar to the Bendigo case, Darebin councillors rejected the advice of council officers and opposed the application during their November meeting. Thousands of residents signed a petition against the proposed outlet on the commercial-zoned property, citing concerns about the impact on the local community. A McDonald’s spokeswoman said the application met all planning requirements, and the company intends to pursue all available avenues to progress the site.
Planning Provisions and VCAT Appeals
Planning Institute of Australia Victorian president Patrick Fensham said Victoria’s planning system does not distinguish between types of franchises or specific outlets or restaurants, which means councillors cannot reject applications from fast food operators because they don’t like their products. Councillors are required to assess development applications purely on planning grounds, including lighting, traffic, and appropriate land uses. However, councils can consider social and environmental impacts when assessing development applications. Fensham noted that organisations with substantial budgets, like multinational fast food franchises, would likely pursue their position at appeal vigorously if their applications are rejected.
Implications and Future Developments
The decisions by the Bendigo and Darebin councils have significant implications for the future of fast food development in Victoria. The Victorian government’s consideration of changes to planning provisions to include health and food security could give councils more power to reject fast food applications on dietary grounds. However, it is likely that McDonald’s and other fast food operators will continue to pursue their interests through VCAT appeals. As the debate continues, it is essential to consider the complex issues involved, including the impact of fast food on public health, the role of councils in regulating development, and the need for balanced and sustainable urban planning. Ultimately, the outcome of these controversies will have a significant impact on the character and quality of life in local communities across Victoria.