Still watch and wait on McDonald's permit

More than 5,500 people have signed an online petition opposing McDonald's in Cowes, while 170 people have signed a similar online petition supporting it.

The change.org petitions are so far the only way for the community to have input, with the planning permit still in the preliminary assessment stage with Bass Coast Shire and is not yet ready for public notice.

The permit is for 157 Thompson Av (zoned commercial) and 190-194 Settlement Rd (zoned residential) for a convenience restaurant in the general residential zone, as well as removal of native vegetation and canopy trees in a vegetation protection overlay.

The permit states the development is costed at $3.4 million, with a free-standing restaurant with a McCafe, playplace, drive-thru and car park, which McDonald's previously confirmed would be run by a franchisee.

While not easy to interpret, the plans show the restaurant sited toward the north-east of 190-194 Watchorn Rd, with the drive-thru accessible from both Thompson Ave and Settlement Rd.

Signage indicates a 7Eleven Mobil will take over the service station at 157 Thompson Ave.

Details BCS:
https://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/building-planning/advertised-plans-and-planning-register/pdplanper-2026-000285-157-thompson-avenue-and-190-194-settlement-road-cowes-proposed-convenience-restaurant

Details petitions: opposing McDonald's in Cowes go to:
https://www.change.org/p/reject-the-mcdonald-s-development-in-cowes?recruiter=27359115&recruited_by_id=c71c9ee0-d375-012f-01af-4040aa777426&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=psf_promote_or_share&utm_term=psf&utm_medium=facebook&utm_content=fht-491045271-en-au%3A0&share_id=tSyLhJmjfg

Or in support go to:
https://www.change.org/p/support-a-mcdonald-s-in-cowes-phillip-island