McDonald’s faces community resistance over planned 24/7 north shore outlet

Anti-social behaviour, excessive traffic congestion and ‘noise pollution’ are among objections raised by north shore locals over a proposal for a new Maccas outlet in their neighbourhood.

The proposed new store would operate 24/7.

A fast food giant is facing community backlash over plans for a new 24/7 outlet on the north shore.

Anti-social behaviour, excessive traffic congestion and “noise pollution” are among objections raised by residents in Chatswood over a proposal for new restaurant in a light industrial area on Smith St.

Plans for the proposal store show the development would involve the demolition of a warehouse and office building to make way for the new $8.2m two-storey restaurant.

The store – which would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week – would have 26 car parks, a dual lane drive-through lane for up to 13 vehicles and waiting bays for customers to collect food.

The plans have resulted in a flurry of submissions from residents due to concerns ranging from traffic congestion to noise pollution and “public safety”.

A concept image of the development.

Local resident Tim Royle said the outlet could exacerbate peak hour congestion on surrounding roads as well as potentially attracting “undesirable criminal activities such as theft” during night time periods.

Similar objections were raised by Jessica Whitebourn who said the semi-industrial location of the store could provide “would-be criminals a dark playground of industrial units and streets in which to do as they please”.

“I cannot support a new 24-hour operation that McDonald’s itself guarantees will increase crime and anti-social behaviour in my area; a pocket of Chatswood that is increasingly chaotic during the day but at least gives residents a reprieve from the noise and traffic at night,” she wrote.

The new store would be located on Smith St, Chatswood.

Other objections include impacts of noise, light pollution as well as increased availability to fast-food.

Lorinda Saleh, a local dietitian, said the development could “allow easier access to high calorie meals”.

“We should be promoting healthier diets given the obesity we have in children and adults in Australia,” she said in a submission.

Planning documents by McDonald’s stated the store would primarily cater for customers picking up food via the drive-through services, thereby reducing the demand on parking and impacts on nearby businesses.

The plans include drive-through lanes and carparking areas.

The company stated the development fell within “definition of a takeaway food and drink premises and is therefore permitted” under local zoning laws.

In a statement, a McDonald’s spokeswoman said the company was “currently working through the development application approval process”.

“Every McDonald’s restaurant is committed to supporting the community it operates in through providing jobs, economic investment, training and development opportunities, and supporting local causes and groups that are important to our people and customers,” she said.

“If approved, the restaurant will inject over $11 million into the local economy and create 120 jobs during construction, as well as a further 120 jobs once operational in crew, barista, management and maintenance roles for local employees.

“We will continue to work with council on feedback and next steps as part of the development application process.”

The proposal has been in the assessment stage by Willoughby Council for eight months with revised plans currently being considered.