McDonald’s wins legal battle to open on Melbourne’s ‘world’s coolest’ street
Consensus Summary
McDonald’s secured approval to open a 24/7 takeaway outlet at 323 High Street in Northcote, Melbourne, after winning a legal challenge against Darebin City Council’s rejection. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) overturned the council’s November 2025 decision, which was supported by over 11,000 petition signatures and concerns about preserving the area’s ‘cool’ character. VCAT ruled that planning laws in Victoria do not consider the identity of the operator, and the site’s commercial zoning allowed the development without additional permits. The vacant building, which has been disused since a 2023 fire, was deemed unsafe and targeted by vandalism, with VCAT arguing a McDonald’s would improve surveillance and safety. The fast-food giant claims the project will create 200 jobs and benefit the local community, though residents like Jo Pugh and Franc de Petro expressed disappointment, fearing it will alter the street’s vibe and harm independent businesses. High Street was named the ‘world’s coolest street’ by Time Out in 2024, adding to the cultural significance of the decision.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- McDonald’s won a VCAT appeal to open a 24/7 takeaway outlet at 323 High Street, Northcote, after Darebin City Council rejected its application in November 2025.
- Darebin City Council initially rejected the application in a 6-3 vote, citing concerns it would compromise Northcote’s ‘unique character’ and was supported by a petition of over 11,000 signatures.
- VCAT member Michael Deidun ruled that the planning system in Victoria is ‘somewhat blind to the final operator’ and that McDonald’s could not be denied based on its corporate identity or ‘cool vibes’ of the area.
- The site at 323 High Street has been vacant since a fire in 2023 and was described as ‘uninviting’ and targeted by vandalism and trespassers.
- McDonald’s claims the development will generate approximately 100 jobs during construction and an additional 100 jobs once operational, including full-time, part-time, and casual positions.
- Time Out magazine named High Street, Northcote the ‘world’s coolest street’ in 2024.
- The proposed McDonald’s will be owned and operated by a local franchisee, contributing to the local area through employment and community support.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- VCAT noted the site was in a ‘Commercial 1 Zone’ and did not require a planning permit for a retail premises, including a convenience restaurant.
- Deidun explicitly stated he felt unsafe entering the public walkway at 323 High Street and ruled that a McDonald’s would improve surveillance and safety in the area.
- The building already had a planning permit allowing it to become a cafe or restaurant, regardless of the operator.
- ABC News reporter Stephanie Anderson and ABC Radio Brisbane’s Anna Levy referenced broader community opposition to McDonald’s in other areas.
- Northcote resident Jo Pugh stated, ‘It’ll change the vibe of High Street, bring a different demographic in.’
- Northcote resident Matt Atanasovski expressed mixed feelings, saying, ‘Maccas isn’t necessarily cool so it will be a bit of an eyesore for the street.’
- VCAT approved McDonald’s bid to operate 24/7, noting it added only three hours of trading beyond the usual 6am–3am limit for convenience restaurants.
- The tribunal rejected objections about rooftop equipment visibility and rear car park safety concerns.
- Franc de Petro, a local resident and Facebook group administrator, said, ‘It’s more about the feel of the area, it’s the fact that McDonald’s will disrupt the way that street has evolved.’
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian and The Age state VCAT ruled that McDonald’s could not be denied based on its ‘corporate approach’ or ‘cool vibes,’ but ABC does not explicitly quote this exact phrasing from Deidun’s decision.
- The Guardian and The Age mention Deidun visited the site and felt unsafe, but ABC does not include this detail.
- The Guardian and The Age specify the site was vacant for ‘a number of years’ and ‘since 2023,’ while ABC only states it has been empty for ‘more than a year.’
Source Articles
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