Crows Nest McDonald’s is back: This time, you don’t get a say

A controversial proposal to build a McDonald’s franchise in the heart of Crows Nest has returned once again, and this time will proceed without the hassle of hearing public submissions. 

What happened: Last Wednesday, McDonald’s Corporation lodged a complying development application with North Sydney Council, revealing its intention to continue pursuing a Crows Nest franchise. 

• The new application has a smaller estimated cost at $1.35 million — down from $2.65 million — and does not include an application for 24/7 hours of operation as the previous did. 

The proposed restaurant would sit on the corner of Willoughby Road and Burlington Street, the former site of a Westpac Bank branch. 

Planning explained: The proposal has been lodged as a complying development. This is a planning and construction approval process which can be determined by an independent certifier. It is intended for fast-tracking small-scale, unobtrusive developments. 

• In NSW, the public does not have the right to comment on complying development applications.

History: The Lorikeet first broke the news on the fast food company’s attempts to enter the Crows Nest market in May last year, after being tipped off by local business-owners. 

That application received over sixty written submissions opposing the restaurant, and was ultimately withdrawn in August.

The nearest McDonald's to Crows Nest is in St Leonards, less than a kilometre from Crows Nest’s main street.