McDonald’s Approved for ‘World’s Coolest Street’ After Fast Food Giant’s Appeal

McDonald’s has been granted approval to operate a 24-hour restaurant on High Street in Northcote, Melbourne, after winning an appeal against Darebin City Council’s initial rejection of the proposal.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) overturned the council’s November 2025 decision to block the development at 323 High Street, determining that concerns about the restaurant’s impact on the area’s cultural identity, independent businesses, and health implications were not relevant to the planning application under Victorian planning law.

Tribunal Overrules Council on Planning Grounds

VCAT member Michael Deidun stated that the planning system in Victoria is “somewhat blind to the final operator,” meaning that a proposed development cannot be rejected based on the identity or practices of the eventual tenant, such as whether it is a multinational fast-food chain.

Limited Scope of Council’s Objections

The tribunal found that Darebin Council’s objections — including fears that the McDonald’s would erode High Street’s reputation as “the world’s coolest street,” harm small businesses, increase delivery truck traffic, or feature visible rooftop equipment — were not valid planning considerations under the applicable regulations.

24-Hour Operation Approved Under Mixed-Use Zoning

Although a “convenience restaurant” is typically permitted to operate only between 6am and 3am, VCAT approved McDonald’s request for 24-hour trading because the addition of three hours was deemed minor and consistent with the area’s zoning for “vibrant mixed use of commercial centres” where late-night activity is encouraged.

Council’s Initial Rejection Based on Community Concerns

In November 2025, Darebin City Council had voted six to three to refuse McDonald’s application for minor building works to convert an existing premises into a 24-hour outlet, citing widespread community opposition and a petition signed by thousands of residents who argued the development did not fit the character of the retail, pub, and live music strip.

McDonald’s Maintains Compliance with Planning Rules

McDonald’s Australia maintained throughout the process that the Northcote site is appropriately zoned for commercial use and that its application met all planning requirements, expressing disappointment with the council’s initial decision but welcoming the tribunal’s ruling as validation of its position.