In a proposal submitted to Great Lakes Council, the multi-national fast-food corporation has put forward plans to open a restaurant operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The site for the proposed restaurant on the Pacific Highway is adjacent to land with an approved DA for a brewery and is a separate proposal.

Council’s director planning and environment, Glenn Handford said while a service station was ruled out as an option for the site, a restaurant was never addressed.

“A service station was prohibited in the location but a restaurant was never dealt with.”

Mr Handford said council would assess the proposal and whether McDonald’s is suitable for the area.

Some residents of the town are concerned about the impact a McDonald’s would have on local businesses, saying travellers on the Pacific Highway wouldn’t have a need to come into the town if they could stop at the fast-food restaurant.

However spokesperson for McDonald’s, Amy McNaughton said the restaurant can make a substantial and positive impact on the area through the employment of about 130 locals, using local suppliers and community organisations and groups.

Ms McNaughton said a social impact assessment has been prepared and can be viewed with the DA.

“The Chamber of Commerce were consulted in its preparation and the report states that not only will McDonald’s have an overall positive impact on the township of Bulahdelah, but that the location of the restaurant can play a positive role in reducing the effects of the bypass through potential promotion of local attractions,” she said.

The public is invited to comment in writing on the DA, which can be viewed at council’s offices in Forster and Bulahdelah until May 31.

The proposal includes plans for 52 parking spaces and two coach bays.

The application is classed as an integrated development and will need the approval of the Roads and Traffic Authority.

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