A proposed 24-hour McDonald’s in one of Melbourne’s fashionable neighborhoods has been halted due to strong local opposition.
Yesterday, Darebin council members voted 6-3 against the proposal to convert a fire-damaged, vacant building at 323 High Street in Northcote into a fast-food restaurant.
Although McDonald’s did not require planning permission, as the site is commercially zoned and a permit is unnecessary for a fast-food establishment, the plan faced hurdles.
Planning officials noted that a redevelopment permit for the site was issued four years ago, with the current application merely modifying it to accommodate a restaurant.
Nonetheless, the proposal has met with significant resistance from Northcote locals and entrepreneurs in recent months.
A petition opposing the development garnered over 11,000 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.
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Time Out magazine last year named the buzzy High Street as number one in its “world’s coolest street” rankings.
In its planning application, McDonald’s said converting the site to a restaurant would create more than 100 local jobs and help the Northcote community.
9news.com.au today contacted the company for comment. 
