Claremont residents split as McDonald's development moves forward

A number of Claremont residents remain divided over a proposed McDonald's fast-food restaurant on Main Road, as the development application progresses into the formal planning assessment stage.

The Glenorchy City Council's general manager has granted landowner consent, allowing the application to move forward, despite opposition from some vocal locals.

Mayor Bec Thomas said the developer had required landowner consent from the general manager to proceed with the application due to its proposed use of a small section of council-owned land for a driveway.

"It is not uncommon for applicants to require general manager's consent, as many development applications seek to build vehicle access points over council-owned land beside roads," she said.

However, a group called "Protect Claremont" remain in opposition to the rezoning of the land for the potential 24/7 restaurant on Main Road.

They argue that the current space, occupied by a mechanics workshop and located just over 300 meters from a KFC at Claremont Plaza, would be better suited for new residential homes rather than a ‘busy and noisy’ drive-thru establishment.

They claim they were not adequately informed about the proposed development and fear that increased traffic from the McDonald's could worsen their daily commutes.

Mayor Thomas acknowledged the concerns raised by residents and promised to keep registered individuals informed about the application, offering them an opportunity to voice their opinions.

"The granting of general managers consent means the application can now be formally assessed by the Glenorchy Planning Authority (GPA)," she said.

"Consent is provided independently of the assessment process. It has no bearing on any deliberation of the GPA."

Mayor Thomas said Glenorchy had a robust planning scheme and the GPA would follow legislated planning processes in its assessment when it comes to approving or denying the construction of the restaurant.