Bayside Council Mayor, Dr Christina Curry, has welcomed news that McDonalds has withdrawn its court appeal seeking to overturn a decision to refuse a 24-hour restaurant on Botany Road.
The fast food giant had lodged an appeal with the Land and Environment Court over a decision by the Bayside Local Planning Panel (BLPP) to refuse a development application for the site at 1581 Botany road in Botany.
“Council has been advised that McDonalds has withdrawn its appeal and this is a great outcome for the community,” said Mayor Curry.
“We don’t have an explanation for their withdrawal at this stage, however, I assume that in the face of the arguments and evidence Council put forward in the initial proceedings, McDonalds formed the opinion that their prospects of winning were not strong enough to proceed to a hearing in the Court,” she said.
The original DA for the demolition of existing structures and construction of a McDonald’s restaurant operating 24 hours, seven days a week including drive-through, parking for 25 vehicles and signage was considered at Bayside Local Planning Panel in September 2021.
This application attracted an angry response from residents and Bayside Council was inundated with opposition from locals including State and Federal MPs who opposed a 24/7 fast food outlet being built on Botany Road.
The main issues of concern were traffic and noise.
A petition with over 1,000 signatures as well as 290 submissions were considered by the Bayside Local Planning Panel before the application was refused.
It is not known at this time whether the fast-food company will proceed with an amended Development Application or abandon the site altogether, Council said in a statement.
