Tag: McDonald’s

McDonald’s Revises Balgowlah Bid After Local Backlash

McDonald’s has lodged an amended development application for a new outlet in Balgowlah following nearly 600 public objections to its original proposal earlier this year.

Read: Community Concerns Grow Over Proposed 24/7 McDonald’s in Balgowlah

The fast-food giant’s initial plan to build a 24/7 restaurant at 37 Roseberry Street sparked widespread concern among locals, with residents citing potential issues including increased traffic, noise, litter, anti-social behaviour, and a negative impact on the character of the area. Northern Beaches has now opened a second public consultation period for the revised proposal.

McDonald’s
Artist’s impression of proposed Maccas at 37 Roseberry Street (Photo credit: Northern Beaches DA Tracker – DA2025/0132)

In response to the backlash, McDonald’s has made several notable changes to its master plan. These include reducing the proposed operating hours from 24/7 to 5:00 a.m.–midnight daily, scaling back signage to reduce visual impact, and addressing traffic flow concerns with a new roundabout design for the Roseberry and Hayes Street intersection.

Environmental concerns, including waste management, noise, air quality, and odour, have been addressed in line with regulatory standards. While the nutritional content of McDonald’s food is not a planning consideration, the company noted it offers a range of healthier menu items.

SLR Consulting Australia, acting on behalf of McDonald’s, stated that the company had reviewed public feedback and made changes “where appropriate” to address community concerns.

McDonald’s
Plans (Photo credit: Northern Beaches DA Tracker – DA2025/0132)

Since the second consultation period opened on 22 May, more submissions have been lodged by local residents. 

One local wrote, “I am a resident in the area and strongly oppose the recent re-submission of a DA by McDonald’s for a new store in Balgowlah/Manly Vale. I do not believe that the majority of locals want this. Something that makes this area special is that it is not full to the brim of large international junk food chains. There is a KFC, I know, but it needs to end there. If someone wants a Maccas, they can already go to the one in Brookvale on Mitchell Road.”

Another submission echoed similar sentiments: “Please do not allow McDonald’s to build in or around Rosebery Street. There is already a successful McDonald’s in Brookvale next to Petbarn with plenty of room for the drive-in takeaway convenience.”

All objections received—both from the initial and current consultation periods—will be considered by Council in preparing a report for the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel, which will make the final decision on the application.

Read: Effie’s: Former Corner Store in Balgowlah Now a Gorgeous New Cafe and Wine Bar

Submissions are open until Wednesday, 5 June 2025 and can be made through the Council’s website.

Published 23-May-2025

Community Concerns Grow Over Proposed 24/7 McDonald’s in Balgowlah

A proposal to open a McDonald’s restaurant in Balgowlah has sparked debate among local residents, with some expressing strong opposition to the development, while the fast-food giant argues that the project will bring economic benefits to the area.

Read: Balgowlah Bowling & Community Club Faces Closure, Appeals for Public Support

The Development Application (DA2025/0132), submitted to Northern Beaches Council earlier this month, outlines plans for a 24/7 McDonald’s at 37 Roseberry Street. The proposal includes a drive-thru with 15 car spaces and an additional 26-space car park. The site is currently occupied by Seven Miles Coffee, a well-established local business.

Community Concerns

Photo credit: Northern Beaches DA Tracker – DA2025/0132

Even before council notifications were formally issued, local opposition had gained traction, with concerned residents forming a Facebook group and launching a Change.org petition, which had gathered more than 1,500 signatures at the time of publication.

Opponents cite potential issues such as increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, and litter. Sarah, lead petitioner wrote on Change.org: “We face a pressing concern, as our neighborhood already hosts a KFC, which emits odour and litter, and contributes to traffic congestion at the intersection of Condamine Street and Kenneth Road. 

“The addition of a new McDonald’ is unnecessary with another existing in the nearby suburb of Brookvale along with a Hungry Jacks. There is also another McDonalds and other fast food outlets at Warringhah Mall in Brookvale, 2km from the proposed development.”

Business and Economic Perspective

Photo credit: Seven Miles Coffee Roasters (Office & Roastery)/Google Maps

McDonald’s has stated that if the proposal is approved, the new location could generate over 100 jobs and contribute approximately $3.9 million in investment to the community. The company has also expressed its intention to support local initiatives and causes.

Nick Egan, CEO of Seven Miles Coffee Company, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the site, noting that while the business holds a long-term lease at Roseberry Street, it is also considering expansion opportunities within the Northern Beaches. He highlighted the significance of the local community to the company’s operations and values.

Traffic and Environmental Impact

37 Roseberry Street (Photo credit: Google Street View)

One of the major sticking points in the debate is traffic congestion. The DA’s traffic report acknowledged that the restaurant would have the greatest impact on weekday afternoons and Saturdays, coinciding with peak traffic periods. However, residents argue that the report does not sufficiently account for morning peak congestion.

Concerns about litter and odours have also been raised, with some residents worried about the cumulative effect of multiple fast-food outlets in the area. “Noise, traffic, litter, and everything that a 24-hour venue brings to a residential area are all reasons for McDonald’s to find a different location,” one community member commented.

Read: 55 Year Old Tania Park Still Remains Popular Amongst Locals in Balgowlah

Next Steps

Northern Beaches Council is currently reviewing the application, with formal consultation underway. The outcome remains uncertain, but what is clear is that the proposal has ignited strong opinions on both sides. As discussions continue, the debate over whether Balgowlah needs another fast-food outlet remains a hot topic within the community.

Published 28-February-2025