If a recently lodged DA is successful, Balgowlah could soon have a 24-hour drive-through McDonalds…
A DA has been lodged for 37 Roseberry Street, Balgowlah, for “Demolition works and construction of a restaurant (McDonalds) including signage”, according to the DA tracker on the Northern Beaches Council website.
The move has already sparked community outrage just two days after McDonald’s lodged the $3.9 million development application.
The proposal, targeting Seven Miles Coffee Roasters’ current site at 37 Roseberry Street, would demolish the existing building to make way for the fast-food restaurant.
Early community feedback has highlighted concerns ranging from traffic congestion at the already busy intersection to fears of increased anti-social behaviour. While supporters point to potential job opportunities for local teenagers, critics argue a 24-hour McDonald’s could impact the area’s character and bring unwanted late-night activity.
Local residents have been quick to weigh in on the proposal on the Council’s DA:
“The area where the proposal sits has already been pushed to maximum capacity with the high density housing as well as light industrial and shopping precinct,” writes Manly Vale resident Bryony Fletcher. “A McDonald’s drive thru will invite noise and disruption to evening peace for any local residents, already on a tipping point from the current setup.”
“We do not want McDonalds to cheapen our neighbourhood and promote disgusting American ‘food’.”
“Promoting fast food and an unhealthy lifestyle in our beautiful Northern Beaches is a very disappointing direction for Manly Vale area, an extension of Manly village which is a symbol of health and in promotion of local community. We do not want McDonalds to cheapen our neighbourhood and promote disgusting American ‘food’.”
Magda Lambrou of Manly Vale agrees. “The development of a fast food restaurant, particularly one with a drive-through, sends the wrong message to the local community, especially to young people,” writes Magda.
“The consumption of unhealthy fast food has been linked to a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Given that this restaurant would be located close to several schools, it would contribute to a culture of unhealthy eating habits, potentially influencing the dietary choices of students and the wider community.”
Many locals who already face daily delays at the busy roundabout, where Sydney Road, Roseberry Street and Kenneth Road all have multiple business entrances, including KFC, fear a drive-through would worsen congestion.
“Let’s not give big companies a free run of our communities please.”
“Please take into consideration the already over congested intersection,” writes Diane La Spina of Manly Vale. “The traffic from Bunnings, Woolworths, Aldi and KFC makes this intersection impossible at peak times. There is also a new development on the corner of Kenneth road and Condamine street for which we haven’t seen the impact on traffic yet.
“A Mcdonald’s would make local traffic unmanageable. Please listen to resident concerns. This is not in the interest of the community. Let’s not give big companies a free run of our communities please.”
Similarly, Manly Vale resident, Narelle Warren also cites major traffic concerns and is appeals to the council to do due diligence on the traffic surveys.
“I have read the submitted traffic report, and quite frankly, I don’t believe a single word on the apparent outcomes being satisfactory. I believe council owes the community some due diligence here, as any local knows this intersection is a traffic nightmare at the best of times,” Narelle wrote in her council submission.
“It’s perplexing on any level, that council would even entertain the idea of a drive through anything on or around this intersection.”
You can find out more and submit your feedback to the Council here.
The DA consideration is expected to take some time. We’ll continue to update the Northern Beaches Living community as new information comes to hand.
