’Simply black and white’: Residents say no room for compromise on Claremont McDonald’s

Neighbours of a site, which could become home to a McDonalds, have rejected the fast food giant’s compromise, urging it to abandon the residential lot altogether. LATEST >>

Concerned residents and people who work in the area are unhappy about the plan for a McDonald's drive through on the corner of Main Road and Lady Clark Ave in Claremont. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones.

Claremont residents who are worried they could become the neighbours of a new McDonald’s say it’s not enough for the company to reconsider its design, urging it to abandon the site altogether.

The fast food giant plans to build a new franchise at 9-10 Main Road, Claremont, which is in a residential zone.

Community members raised concerns about noise, light and litter in March, after receiving letters in their mailboxes about the build.

The company recently lodged its application with the Glenorchy City Council, but because it requires landowner consent from the council, it cannot be formally assessed yet.

Last week, McDonald’s Australia told the Mercury it planned to push ahead with its bid for approval, but the design would be amended to address concerns.

Residents say it’s not enough.

“It’s unacceptable,” Claremont House owner David Kernke said.

“There’s no fall back position … In this instance there’s no grey, it’s simply black and white.”

Wayne Flanagan who works in the area with local residents Pauline Elliott with dog Pip and David Kernke, of Claremont House. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Kernke said it was disappointing the company planned to push ahead, despite receiving backlash from the community.

“We contacted McDonalds, the immediate local residents, here in March,” he said.

“We wrote to the CEO, we heard nothing at all … We didn’t hear from them until after they lodged their application.”

Mr Kernke said the immediate local residents weren’t against a McDonalds in the suburb, but they believed the chosen site was not suitable for a number of reasons.

“The things that stand out: zoning, road configuration, the main road is very busy, Lady Clark Avenue is very narrow,” he said.

“It would have a dreadful impact on the residential amenity.

“It doesn’t really stack up … It’s not fair to residents and its not right.

“There are other sites in Glenorchy and Claremont that will be acceptable,” he said.

Mr Kernke said McDonald’s Australia had agreed to meet with the group.

“We’ll be watching quite closely, we will be [checking] all information provided, particularly expert reports, we will be watching our council closely as well,” Mr Kernke said.

McDonald’s promises compromise as MP joins fight against Claremont franchise

McDonald’s will push ahead with plans to seek approval to build a franchise in a residential zone in Claremont, despite community members urging the fast food giant to look elsewhere.

Community members spoke out about the plan in March, after receiving letters from a consultant, raising concerns around noise, light and litter.

The site of the proposed McDonald's store. Concerned residents and people who work in the area in relation to the plan for a 24 hour McDonald's drive through on the corner of Main Road and Lady Clark Ave in Claremont. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Last week the company lodged its application with the Glenorchy City Council, but because the application requires landowner consent from the council, it cannot be formally assessed yet.

The site location is also in a residential area and a planning scheme amendment would be required to proceed.

A McDonald’s Australia spokesperson told the Mercury while it would still pursue the site at 9-10 Main Road, Claremont, it would amend its design.

“We are continuing to work through the development application process and have taken on board community feedback to amend the proposed restaurant design and layout to address concerns around noise, waste and traffic,” they said.

“McDonald’s is committed to being a good neighbour and we will continue to engage with residents as we explore the opportunity to join the Claremont community.”

Federal Member for Clark Andrew Wilkie has written to McDonald’s Australia about the plan.

“I urge McDonald’s Australia to consult residents and consider looking at a more suitable site for a 24-hour drive through restaurant,” Mr Wilkie wrote in his letter to CEO Antoni Martinez.

Andrew Wilkie independent member for Clark in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Given the current housing crisis in Tasmania, this land should be used as intended for building more homes.

“Residents are also concerned about the impact a 24-hour McDonald’s would have on the residential amenity of the area, including noise, odour and light pollution, as well as exacerbation of traffic problems.

“This is particularly concerning given the site is located next to Lady Clark Centre Inc Retirement Village.”

In a letter to residents, the Glenorchy City Council general manager Emilio Reale said McDonald’s sought land owner consent to use an area of nature strip for vehicular access, a process which could take weeks.

“In the event the general manager provides consent, it would not mean the application is approved. It simply means council, as landowner, consents to the application being made for the purposes of it being assessed,” Mr Reale said.

“I reiterate that the GPA (Glenorchy Planning Authority) will not be able to consider the application until it is finalised.”