Council decision MCU19-0142

Council unanimously refused the Birkdale Fair development proposal MCU19-0142.

At its general meeting today (27/5/20) the Redlands City Council unanimously approved the planning review recommendation to refuse the proposed McDonalds 24/7 fast food development in the main car-park of the Birkdale Fair Shopping Centre. Cr Paul Bishop advised "I’m pleased to report that the recommendation for refusal was supported by councillors unanimously. I do hope the matters raised in the report are upheld ongoing and that the area is managed in a sustainable manner in future. Also noting that Council Officers have been exemplary in their assessment and acknowledgement of matters raised by residents. Your collective voice has been clearly heard and I am pleased to represent the respectful way you and others have spoken so effectively, using principle-based planning grounds to express the sentiment and local values of residents." Council should be congratulated for not being swayed by the thinly veiled attempt to influence through an article in the Redland City Bulletin yesterday. No one is disputing the economic benefit of a McDonald's fast-food outlet for a part of the Community. Such assertions were not coupled with a development proposal that achieved the planning performance outcomes that are required. These include local amenity, safety and the best traffic planning and design principles. The planning assessment report can be viewed on the Local Action Website. and I urge you you to read it to see the extent of the refusal. Thanks again to Councillor Paul Bishop, Cr Wendy Boglary and the Committee members Cara, James, Bryan, Jane, Fiona and Steve. Also as identified by Cr Bishop, Council Officers, who diligently reviewed every aspect of the proposal and gave the developer every opportunity to alter their proposal. Kind regards Stephen Sharry Spokesperson Local Action Birkdale