KFC, McDonald’s and Guzman y Gomez development approved for Kariong despite 86 objections
A controversial fast food development featuring a KFC, McDonald’s and Guzman y Gomez has been approved for the Central Coast, despite 86 public objections and an initial rejection by council.
NSW
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A controversial fast food development featuring a KFC, McDonald’s and Guzman y Gomez has been approved for the Central Coast, despite 86 public objections and an initial rejection by council.
Central Coast Council initially refused an application for a four-lot subdivision for the three fast food outlets at 5 The Ave, Kariong.
However, development consent was later granted by the Land and Environment Court following an appeal by the applicants, Parklands Kariong Development.
The development is being undertaken by the Stevens Group and the Brand Group.
The proposal, which received 86 objections, raised concerns about traffic congestion, while one resident described placing fast food outlets within metres of several schools as “simply outrageous, unethical and wrong”.
The development application was first lodged on 23 June 2022 and was rejected by Central Coast Council in November 2023. At the time, Council said the application did not respect the special characteristics of the site, nor did it meet the requirements of the NSW Biodiversity Act.
The matter was listed for hearing, however the parties reached an agreement based on amended plans and documentation.
The developers acquired the site from the State Government following a lengthy tender process that began well over a decade ago. Fast food outlets formed part of the masterplan considered by the Government during that process.
Collectively, the restaurants are expected to employ 180 local staff once trading commences, with a similar number of jobs to be created during construction.
A spokesman for Parklands Kariong Development said the project would “provide opportunities for youth employment, dinner options for tired commuters and local families, as well as breakfast and lunch offerings for employees in the Somersby Employment Estate”.
As part of the development, upgrades will be made to local traffic and transport infrastructure, including a new bus stop on Central Coast Highway and an additional access point to Mt Penang.
About one hectare of the total site area of 5.735 hectares, is being conserved for environmental protection and managed under a Biodiversity Management Plan which aims to maintain the heritage value of the listed Scribbly Gums and to regenerate mapped Swift Parrot habitat.
An extra right-turn lane southbound out of The Ave onto Central Coast Highway will also be constructed as part of Stage One works, which are estimated to cost around $8.5 million.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and be completed later the same year.
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Originally published as KFC, McDonald’s and Guzman y Gomez development approved for Kariong despite 86 objections
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