The VCAT appeal for the amended building permit application for the Healesville McDonald’s site has been withdrawn by the applicant following council’s decision to refuse the changes last year.
The proposed revision of the approved layout sought to change the building and works, carparking and signage for a McDonald’s restaurant in Healesville, at 17-25 Maroondah Highway.
It included the following – internal rearrangement of the restaurant, create a dual lane drive thru, increase the building envelope from 212.1 square metres to 377.68 square metres, increase the building height by 50 centimetres, move the loading bay, add two drive thru waiting bays and two new bike rails, inclusion of the walkway and footpath area on the northern and eastern side, update materials and finishes to align with McDonald’s branding and add floodlit business identification signage.
The proposal had 49 objectors raising concerns on the visual and amenity impacts, traffic congestion and rubbish.
The original permit was approved for the entire development six years ago after it was first rejected by council and went through VCAT to reach agreed upon conditions for the design.
At the September council meeting, Cr Fiona McAllister said the proposed changes went against those conditions and council voted unanimously to reject the amendment.
Cr McAllister has now confirmed the matter was expected to be heard at VCAT, however the applicant has since withdrawn their appeal and the original permit still stands.
“As a result, the original permit (YR-2014/1199) for this convenience restaurant remains, and the site use and development is permitted, but the revisions sought in 2021 have been refused,” she said.
