McDonald’s applies to open new Mount Evelyn restaurant at 19-23 Hereford Road

A new bunfight could be looming with McDonald’s unveiling a plan to open a 24/7 restaurant in a small Yarra Ranges town.

A render of the proposed Mount Evelyn McDonald's.

There could be another bunfight looming in Yarra Ranges, after McDonald’s unveiled plans to open a 24/7 restaurant in a residential area in Mount Evelyn.

Yarra Ranges Council has received two planning applications for 19-23 Hereford Rd, for a new $4.5m Macca’s restaurant and a $3.5m childcare centre, accommodating 108 children.

The restaurant with a dual lane drive through is proposed for the southern half of the site, while the childcare centre would be built on the northern half.

The existing building on the site, previously used as a futsal centre, will be demolished.

But the plan has already sparked some concern in the community, especially from opponents of the controversial Tecoma McDonald’s.

A render of the proposed childcare centre in Mount Evelyn, set to be on the same site as McDonald’s.

The proposed Mount Evelyn McDonald's.

“McYuk has applied to build in Mount Evelyn, and to be next to a childcare centre,” the No Maccas in the Hills group posted online.

McDonald’s opened in Tecoma – its first outlet in the Dandenong Ranges – in 2014, despite hundreds of objections from locals, who held rallies and protests at the site.

The fast food giant also has plans to open in Healesville and recently opened an outlet in Chirnside Park.

In a statement, McDonald’s said it was working through the development application process for a proposed restaurant in Mount Evelyn.

“McDonald’s is committed to supporting the community it operates in through creating jobs, investing in the economy, supporting local community groups and providing ongoing training and development opportunities for employees,” the statement said.

“If approved, the restaurant will inject over $5 million into the local economy and create 100 jobs during construction, as well as a further 120 jobs once operational.

“We are committed to being a good neighbour and engaging with council and the local community throughout the development application process.”