Councillors reject McDonald’s

McDonald’s proposed Cowes restaurant has been unanimously refused by Bass Coast Shire councillors, with the development now likely set for a drawn-out battle at VCAT.

Councillors at today’s council meeting sided with 1543 objectors and 5800 signatories to a petition opposing the development, opting to ignore the council’s own planners who advised approval.

The decision was met by cheers and clapping from the crowd of roughly 40 people who attended the meeting at Berninneit, Cowes.

Island Ward councillor Tracey Bell moved an alternative motion to reject the McDonald’s permit, and was supported by several other councillors.

The permit received a record-breaking number of submissions for a Phillip Island development, with 25 submitters presenting at a special hearing last month.

The permit is for 190-194 Settlement Road (McDonald’s site), with 157 Thompson retained as a service station with a right-of-way easement to the McDonald’s site, with seating for 50.

According to the council agenda, planners recommended supporting the permit because it was consistent with planning policy, with their main considerations being appropriate use in the residential zone, parking, removal of 13 trees (other tree removal is proposed but does not require a planning permit), display of 14 advertising signs and “orderly planning”.

Planners stipulated almost 40 conditions to address a range of issues, including restricting in-person dining between 5am and midnight, Monday to Sunday, but drive-through dining will be 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

More to follow.