Overview
- Councillors voted 6–3 to refuse an amended permit for a restaurant at 323 High Street after a public meeting on Monday night.
- Planning officers advised the site was commercially zoned and that only minor building works were at issue, recommending approval.
- An online petition gathered more than 11,000 signatures citing litter, traffic, health concerns and harm to small businesses.
- McDonald’s proposed to revive a fire-damaged, long-vacant building and said the outlet would create over 100 local jobs.
- Supporters of approval warned the refusal could be challenged at VCAT, while opponents highlighted proximity to a school and kindergarten.