After receiving almost 600 submissions against the Development Application for a Maccas in Balgowlah, McDonald’s has resubmitted an updated master plan for the same site.
Earlier this year, Manly Observer reported on the Maccas Development Application and the concerns expressed by locals about having a 24/7 fast-food restaurant at 37 Roseberry Street, Balgowlah and the impact it would have on traffic, noise, and even crime. You can read more about it here.
Council is now inviting submissions from the community on the amended application until 5 June 2025, however, said they would take into consideration all submissions from both the previous public exhibition and this one to prepare a report for the Local Planning Panel for determination. When Council receives 10 or more submissions objecting to a DA, the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel assesses the DA for a determination rather Council.
That’s then, what’s now?
What’s McChanging
In its Request for Further Information (RFI), SLR Consulting Australia (representing McDonalds) addressed issues with signage, traffic and operating hours which were raised during a meeting with Council on 10 April 2025.
“SLR has undertaken a review of the submissions received on Council’s website,” the wrote in the report.
“McDonald’s have considered these matters [issues raised in these submissions] and, where appropriate, sought to address these issues through the changes identified in this RFI response.”
Signage has been reduced to “ensure a high level of visual quality and integration is achieved”. This includes the pylon sign reduced from 9m to 5.725m in height and from 4.3m to 2.4m in width. Flagpoles and banners have been removed from the plans, and the red blade is now incorporated into the southern façade of the building and is no longer a standalone sign. The Fascia sign is now aligned flush with the façade, and two ‘M’ wall signs have been removed, including the removal of the ‘PlayPlace’ sign.
Detailed drawings can be found here and we’ve provided a before and after example below.
Operating hours have changed from 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to 5am to midnight, Monday to Sunday. Council raised concerns about anti-social behaviour being prevalent from midnight to 2am.
As for the impact the restaurant would have on traffic, which was a big issue when we spoke to residents, the report stated the proposed development would not generate any unacceptable traffic or congestion issues.
At a pre-lodgement meeting, Council requested a roundabout plan for the intersection of Roseberry Street and Hayes Street (to assist with traffic flow), however McDonald’s didn’t supply such a plan as they were concerned a roundabout would increase congestion. In their latest plans, they have provided the design for a proposed roundabout (as requested by Council at the April meeting) with a promise of detailed designs provided after the DA is approved.
The RFI added concerns about litter and waste would be managed in accordance with legal guidelines; noise pollution, odour and air quality have all been assessed and deemed sufficient for this location; and the concern of unhealthy food is not a planning matter (however, they added they have a healthy choice range).
Submissions are once again open from 22 May 2025 until 5 June 2025 with Council taking into consideration submissions from both submission periods to prepare their report for the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel.
Manly Observer will continue to closely follow the situation.
Redfern rejected Maccas
As reported by The Guardian, a proposal to open a 24-hour McDonald’s in Redfern (inner Sydney) was rejected by the council’s independent planning tribunal after opposition from residents and the police.
McDonald’s request for more time to address community concerns was also rejected.
The Guardian reported the DA received 269 objections and two petitions with 1,123 signatures against the development. There were 17 supportive submissions.
Read Manly Observer’s earlier coverage of the Maccas in Balgowlah development application:
