One of the most talked-about planning battles in Melbourne has come to a close, with global fast food giant McDonald’s securing legal approval to build a round-the-clock restaurant on High Street, Northcote — the strip recently named the “coolest street in the world” by Time Out magazine in 2024. The victory comes after the company appealed a rejection from local governing body Darebin City Council, which had blocked the project over widespread community concerns.
The council originally refused McDonald’s planning permit for the 319-325 High Street site, arguing that a large-scale fast food outlet would permanently reshape the aesthetic, atmosphere and unique community identity of the already popular precinct. Beyond character concerns, local leaders also flagged a suite of potential harms: increased traffic congestion along the busy strip, negative spillover effects on nearby residential property values, and unaddressed environmental impacts from the 24/7 operation.
Community opposition ran far deeper than council objections. A public petition launched to block the development gathered more than 11,300 signatures from residents and visitors who argued High Street’s beloved local charm and community-focused culture would be overshadowed by the global chain’s new outlet. Compounding concerns, two existing McDonald’s locations already operate within a 3.5-kilometer radius of the proposed site, leading many to question the need for an additional outlet.
But in a final ruling that settled the dispute, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) sided with McDonald’s. Tribunal member Michael Deidun clarified that VCAT lacks the authority to reject a development application based solely on the identity of the occupying business. “This Tribunal does not have the power to review the corporate approach of McDonalds, its work practices and ethics, the type of food it produces, its impact on human health, or whether it fits the ‘cool’ vibes of its context,” Deidun said in his ruling.
In a statement following the decision, a McDonald’s spokesperson welcomed the outcome, noting that the appeal had been “fairly and rightly assessed on its merits.” The proposed outlet will be operated by a local franchisee, the company confirmed, with projected economic benefits for the Northcote area. According to the chain, the construction phase alone will create roughly 100 local jobs, and once the restaurant opens later this year, it will add another 100 full-time, part-time and casual positions for local residents. Beyond employment, the spokesperson added that the franchise will contribute to the local community through skills training opportunities and partnerships with local community groups.
“We look forward to joining Northcote and playing an active role in the local community when the restaurant opens later this year,” the spokesperson said. Darebin City Council has not yet issued a formal statement following the ruling, with requests for comment still outstanding as of the latest update.