There will be no new McDonald’s store for Claremont, with the Glenorchy City Council officially refusing the planning application this afternoon.
Mayor Bec Thomas said a drive-through restaurant would likely have “negative impacts” on the local residents, who have been vocal since day one about having the fast-food giant move in next door.
“These decisions are always difficult for planning authorities in that they are having to balance increased economic activity with potential loss of amenity for nearby residents,” she said.
“The fact that this application is for a development entirely situated in an inner residential zone means the authority … accepted council officers’ recommendations that it would have a negative impact on surrounding properties.”
She said there would also be “impacts of increased traffic” caused by the drive-thru which just ‘would not work’ for the area.
“We want development that builds our economy and provides more opportunities for our residents.”
“Glenorchy is open for business, but that doesn’t mean at any cost. We need to be mindful of suitable development that enhances our municipal area, not detracts from it.”
She hoped McDonald’s would “be able to find another location” within Claremont that is “suitable for the development”.
It is not yet known whether McDonald’s will appeal the decision.
The news follows recent applications for other fast-food outlets in the greater Hobart area, including a Hungry Jacks store in Bridgewater and ‘KFC-type’ restaurant in Cambridge.
