Objection for PDPLANPER 2026/000285

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I am a resident/visitor and concerned party

I am part of the school community

I am a vulnerable resident

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To Whom It May Concern,

    I am writing to formally object to the planning permit applications PDPLANPER 2026/000285 for the proposed convenience restaurant (McDonald's) at 157 Thompson Avenue and 190-194 Settlement Road, Cowes, Phillip Island.

    The proposed McDonald's development represents inappropriate, over-intensive and unsustainable development in a highly sensitive location, within close proximity to a The proposed McDonald's development does not achieve the objectives of Bass Coast

    Planning Scheme or the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The proposal fails to achieve orderly and proper planning, creates unacceptable traffic, amenity, environmental and social impacts in an area that demands a significantly higher standard of care, and does not appropriately respond to the character or constraints of Cowes or Phillip Island.

    As a resident/visitor and concerned party, the granting of this permit will negatively affect the economic and cultural environment I live in. It will permanently alter and degrade the unique 'seaside village' character of Cowes that I value and rely on. By introducing a highly automated multinational franchise, it threatens the viability of the independent local businesses I support, leading to a net loss of community wealth and genuine local employment.

    The following are the reasons for my objections:

To Whom It May Concern,

    I am writing to formally object to the planning permit applications PDPLANPER 2026/000285 for the proposed convenience restaurant (McDonald's) at 157 Thompson Avenue and 190-194 Settlement Road, Cowes, Phillip Island.

    The proposed McDonald's development represents inappropriate, over-intensive and unsustainable development in a highly sensitive location, within close proximity to a The proposed McDonald's development does not achieve the objectives of Bass Coast

    Planning Scheme or the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The proposal fails to achieve orderly and proper planning, creates unacceptable traffic, amenity, environmental and social impacts in an area that demands a significantly higher standard of care, and does not appropriately respond to the character or constraints of Cowes or Phillip Island.

    As a parent of a child attending Cowes Primary School, the granting of this permit will directly impact the safety of my family. The introduction of a high-volume, vehicle-heavy drive-thru just 23 metres from the primary school property creates an immediate physical hazard for my child during daily drop-off and pick-up times. The increased traffic congestion and blocked sightlines will make navigating the local footpaths and school crossings inherently dangerous for young pedestrians. I am concerned about increased access to fast food near where my children spend time.

    The following are the reasons for my objections:

To Whom It May Concern,

    I am writing to formally object to the planning permit applications PDPLANPER 2026/000285 for the proposed convenience restaurant (McDonald's) at 157 Thompson Avenue and 190-194 Settlement Road, Cowes, Phillip Island.

    The proposed McDonald's development represents inappropriate, over-intensive and unsustainable development in a highly sensitive location, within close proximity to a The proposed McDonald's development does not achieve the objectives of Bass Coast

    Planning Scheme or the Planning and Environment Act 1987. The proposal fails to achieve orderly and proper planning, creates unacceptable traffic, amenity, environmental and social impacts in an area that demands a significantly higher standard of care, and does not appropriately respond to the character or constraints of Cowes or Phillip Island.

    If granted, this development will directly compromise the safety and mobility of myself/my family members who utilize the nearby aged care facility. The increased traffic from the drive-thru creates an unacceptable safety risk for those using walking frames, mobility scooters, or those with vision impairments. It will effectively restrict the ability of vulnerable residents to safely walk or travel independently within their own neighbourhood.

    The following are the reasons for my objections:

1. Inappropriate Siting Adjacent to a Primary School

YES, Include reason #1 in objection

The proposed development is located approximately 23 metres from Cowes Primary School, a sensitive land use that requires a safe, low-traffic and low-amenity-impact environment.

    Relevant Planning Provisions:
    - Clause13.07 - Amenity and Safety.
    - Clause 65 - Decision Guidelines.

    A high-turnover fast-food outlet incorporating a drive-through introduces impacts that are fundamentally incompatible with a school environment, including:
    - Increased traffic volumes and vehicular conflict.
    - Noise from idling vehicles and drive-through order speakers.
    - Increased litter generation and antisocial behaviour risks.
    - Visual and operational dominance inconsistent with an education setting.

    The proposal fails to demonstrate how it adequately protects the safety and amenity of students, parents, staff, and the broader school community, contrary to the objectives of the Planning Policy Framework.

2. Negative Economic Impact and the Illusion of Job Creation

YES, Include reason #2 in objection

Claims regarding local job creation are severely overstated and fail to account for the corporation's aggressive, global shift toward automated user systems, digital kiosks, automated food assembly.
    - Highly automated fast-food outlets generate fewer, more casualized, low hour shifts rather than genuine, stable local livelihoods.
    - McDonald business model tends to replace higher quality local jobs with lower wage, lower career mobility positions. Fast food chains typically rely on low paying, entry level jobs with limited benefits, which can depress overall wage standards in the community.

3. Severe Reduction in Trade for Local Businesses and Economic Destabilisation

YES, Include reason #3 in objection

Local independent businesses are the backbone of the Cowes economy, and their ability to survive is directly threatened by the introduction of a multinational corporate franchise.
    - A significant portion of the revenue generated by this franchise will leave the island and go to overseas corporate entities. This is likely to replace independent, Cowes hospitality businesses that keep wealth reinvested locally in the Bass Coast economy.
    - Studies consistently show that independent local businesses reinvest a significantly higher percentage of their earnings into the local community (through local suppliers, wages, community sponsorships) compared to large multinational corporations. Allowing a global franchise to capture a massive market share will, drain capital away from the Bass Coast economy. 
    - A major reduction in trade for our unique local cafes and restaurants risks causing widespread closures, vacancies in the town centre, undermining the economic health, variety, collaborative community spirit that makes Cowes unique. The proposal poses a threat to township viability particularly during winter months.

4. Over commercialisation, Impact, Incompatibility on Cowes Local Character and Tourism

YES, Include reason #4 in objection

Cowes and Phillip Island are internationally recognised for their unique coastal character, wildlife, natural beauty and non-corporate feel. Within the Bass Coast Planning Scheme, Cowes is identified as a coastal township with a strong local identity, characterised by:
    - Walkability and human-scale development
    - Tourism linked to natural and environmental assets
    - Locally distinctive built form and business activity

    The introduction of a standardised corporate fast-food outlet, with: Illuminated signage, menu boards, pylon signage, Drive-through infrastructure and extended operating hours undermines this character and erodes the distinctiveness of Phillip Island as a unique coastal destination.
    - The introduction of a multinational fast-food chain is inconsistent with the low-key, community-oriented character of the town and risks eroding the very qualities that attract visitors to the region. This development is at odds with the values and vision the community has for Cowes. Approval would set a precedent for further over-commercialisation of Cowes.
    - Maintaining the authentic, local charm of Cowes is essential for sustaining the tourism industry that our economy relies upon. Visitors travel to Phillip Island to experience a distinct coastal village, not to patronise generic corporate drive-throughs
    - The standardized, corporate architectural design and visual bulk is fundamentally at odds with the "seaside village" character that the Bass Coast Planning Scheme seeks to protect. The standard high-illumination lighting - particularly at night - will introduce significant light pollution, dominant visual clutter, destroying the low-impact visual amenity of the neighbourhood.

5. Environmental and Biodiversity concerns

YES, Include reason #5 in objection

Phillip Island is home to internationally significant wildlife and fragile coastal ecosystems, including the world-famous Penguin Parade. Increased traffic, litter, waste, lighting, and noise associated with a 24-hour drive-through restaurant pose a genuine threat to local biodiversity and the environmental values that underpin the island's tourism appeal.
    Fast-Food Packaging as a Major Source of Litter: National data demonstrates that fast-food and takeaway packaging is a dominant component of public litter in Australia.
    - Packaging represents approximately 57.8% of all litter collected nationally
    - Food containers and utensils comprise around 5% of all recorded litter items.
    - Fast-food outlets contribute up to 44% of Australia's single-use plastic consumption Litter generated by fast-food outlets is therefore a known, systemic and predictable impact.
    - Documented Impacts on Phillip Island Wildlife; Phillip Island is internationally significant for its marine and seabird populations, including little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters.
    - Scientific research demonstrates: Plastic ingestion in up to 94.7% of short-tailed shearwaters examined on Phillip Island. Even very small amounts of plastic can be lethal to seabirds. Lightweight plastic fragments are consistent with takeaway food packaging
    - Any development that predictably increases food-related packaging litter in this catchment poses a direct and serious ecological risk.
    - Failure to Apply the Precautionary Principle: EPA Victoria has fined major fast-food chains, including McDonald's, for inadequate waste and litter management.In a location of exceptional environmental sensitivity, reliance on enforcement after harm occurs is inconsistent with the precautionary principle and responsible coastal planning.

6. Heightened Risk in a Coastal Location

YES, Include reason #6 in objection

Phillip Island's high-wind, high-rainfall coastal environment significantly increases the likelihood that packaging escapes the site and enters stormwater systems and marine environments.
    More than 38% of litter nationally is recovered from beaches and waterways, demonstrating the particular vulnerability of coastal and marine settings to land-based litter. Standard bin provision and litter patrols are insufficient mitigation measures in such a sensitive environment.
    - Fast food outlets are well-documented contributors to litter in surrounding streets, parks, and natural areas. Given Phillip Island's fragile coastal environment and volume of visitors it receives additional litter from a high-volume drive-through restaurant is a serious amenity and environmental concern.
    - McDonald's ketchup packets closely resemble the food penguins eat. If they enter nearby waterways, penguins could easily mistake them for food and die.

    Phillip Island is particularly vulnerable because this McDonald's sits close to the water, meaning rubbish doesn't just blow into another suburb - it blows straight into the marine environment.

7. Inappropriate Commercial Encroachment on General Residential Zoned Land (GRZ1), inconsistency/conflict with 2050 Density Mandates

YES, Include reason #7 in objection

The subject site is currently zoned General Residential Zone (GRZ1). While the planning scheme provides a pathway to apply for a convenience restaurant in this zone, a high-turnover, 24-hour multinational commercial franchise with a sprawling drive-thru is entirely incompatible with the core purpose of residential zoning. Bass Coast Shire Council also has a clear strategic mandate to increase residential density and facilitate urban infill within existing township boundaries to accommodate projected growth toward 2050.
    - Approving this application allows a massive commercial enterprise to encroach into a designated residential and educational precinct.
    - This large, strategically located site has the capacity to support medium density housing such as up to 10 single-story residential dwellings.
    - Permitting a low-density, single-use commercial fast-food franchise is an inefficient use of scarce inside-boundary land, actively undermining Council's own long-term housing targets.

8. Traffic Generation, Congestion, Pedestrian Safety Impacts and Inadequate Parking

YES, Include reason #8 in objection

Thompson Avenue is the primary arterial spine of Cowes, which is already congested and experiences severe gridlock during seasonal tourist peaks. The Cowes Primary School precinct is already subjected to congestion during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods.
    - Introducing a fast-food drive-through will intensify traffic at exactly these critical times. Traffic congestion and illegally parked cars, diminishes critical sightlines for drivers, making it dangerous for pedestrians, particularly children and elderly.

    The application's proposed on-site parking is insufficient for a combined sit-down restaurant and drive-thru of this scale. It will inevitably cause "queuing and overspill" parking onto Settlement Road and Thompson Avenue and significantly increase vehicle movements at an already congested location, particularly during peak tourism seasons.

    Key Concerns include:
    - Increased vehicle movements and turning conflicts
    - Drive-through queuing with the potential to overflow onto public roads
    - Reduced pedestrian safety, particularly for children
    - Cumulative impacts when combined with existing local traffic and seasonal tourist volumes.

    Fast-food restaurants are inherently car-intensive uses, characterised by high turnover, peak-period surges, and irregular demand patterns. These impacts are amplified in tourist towns such as Cowes.
    Decision guidelines under Clause 65 in the Victorian Planning scheme, hold Council must determine whether traffic impacts are acceptable having regard to surrounding land uses.
    - The application does not demonstrate that pedestrian safety has been prioritised or that traffic impacts can be safely accommodated in this location.
    - The application does not satisfactorily demonstrate that they have met minimum standards/meets 52.06 standards under Clause 52.06 - Car Parking
    - The application does not satisfactorily demonstrate that all car parking demand can be accommodated on-site, drive-through queuing will not impact public roads and seasonal, weekend or event-based traffic peaks have been properly assessed.

    This creates a real risk of off-site amenity, safety and congestion impacts, contrary to the objectives of Clause 52.06.

9. Overdevelopment and Excessive Site Intensity

YES, Include reason #9 in objection

The proposal represents an over-development of the site through excessive hardstand and vehicle infrastructure:
    - Approximately 2,167 m2 of impervious surface on a site of approximately 2,499 m. Only around 13% of the site landscaped
    - Site design dominated by parking, queuing lanes, drive-through circulation and service areas.

    This level of site coverage priorities vehicle movement over environmental performance and community amenity, and is inappropriate for a coastal township context.

10. Carriage way easement in favour of McDonalds

YES, Include reason #10 in objection

McDonalds plan proposes a carriage way from 157 Thompson Ave to MC Donalds site creating traffic new hazards.
    - One of the proposed exits is very close to a roundabout where traffic will only be able to turn left, directing traffic to a school and Aged Care facility.
    - All vehicles using 157 Thompson to buy fuel or visit the proposed 7 eleven will have to cross the carriageway to access Settlement Rd in order to exit. This increases the risk of accidents with cars entering the drivethrough/carrageway from Thompson Ave whilst cars are trying to exit. NEED TO CHECK FINAL PLANS.

11. Severe Impact on the safety of the school community

YES, Include reason #11 in objection

The intersection of Thompson Avenue and Settlement Road is already a critical bottleneck during school drop-off and pick-up times. Introducing a high-volume convenience restaurant with drive-thru will significantly increase vehicle movements precisely when vulnerable young pedestrians are navigating the area
    - The proposal sits just 23 metres from Cowes Primary School boundary and fails to demonstrate how it will safely manage the clash between school-peak pedestrian traffic and fast-food consumer traffic.
    - The influx of traffic turning into and exiting the site will create dangerous conflict points with children walking or riding scooters and bikes to school.

12. High Risk to Vulnerable Road Users (Aged Care Interface)

YES, Include reason #12 in objection

The subject site is adjacent to an aged care facility with a high concentration of elderly residents, many of whom rely on walking frames, motorized mobility scooters, or have compromised vision and hearing.
    - Inadequate Pedestrian Infrastructure: A commercial drive-thru inherently creates a high-risk conflict zone where drivers, focused on entering or exiting the venue quickly may overlook slower-moving pedestrians who require more time to navigate crossovers.

13. Strain on Limited Emergency Services and Risk of Anti-Social Behaviour

YES, Include reason #13 in objection

A late-night or 24-hour convenience restaurant naturally acts as a hub for loitering, littering, and anti-social behaviour.
    - Cowes does not have a 24-hour, manned police station. Relying on rostered-on or call-out emergency services from further afield means response times during late-night incidents can be delayed.
    - Introducing this land use directly adjacent to a vulnerable aged care facility and an unpatrolled school creates an unacceptable security and peace-of-mind risk for the immediate neighbourhood.
    - Issues for emergency vehicles such as ambulances, with the depot being in the Industrial Estate in Cowes and using Settlement Rd as a major access, can negatively impact response times, being already congested during school hours and tourist times.

14. Loss of Vegetation and Environmental Degradation Violation of the Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO2)

YES, Include reason #14 in objection

The subject site falls within the Vegetation Protection Overlay - Schedule 2 (VPO2), which specifically aims to protect and enhance the significant vegetation, indigenous canopy, and wildlife corridors of Phillip Island.
    The proposed removal of established native vegetation and mature canopy trees to accommodate an asphalt drive-thru directly contradicts the core purpose of the VPO2. The plans indicate the removal of existing vegetation and trees across the site, with replacement planting limited and largely ornamental due to the dominance of hardstand areas.

    This results in:
    - Loss of local vegetation and habitat.
    - Reduced biodiversity outcomes.
    - Increased urban heat island effect.
    - Increased stormwater runoff and reduced natural infiltration.

    The proposal fails to demonstrate a responsible environmental outcome consistent with coastal and township planning objectives. Replacing a mature natural canopy with corporate infrastructure represents a severe, irreversible net loss to the local environment, biodiversity, and neighbourhood amenity.

15. Adverse Amenity Impacts: Noise, Light, and Odour Intrusions

YES, Include reason #15 in objection

The introduction of a noisy, 24-hour convenience restaurant onto General Residential (GRZ1) land will introduce continuous amenity disruptions that are entirely incompatible with a residential and educational precinct.
    Despite proposed mitigation measures such as acoustic fencing, likely impacts include ongoing noise intrusion, particularly during evening and night-time hours. The need for acoustic fencing itself acknowledges that noise impacts are expected which are incompatible with nearby sensitive uses, including residential properties, Age Care facilities and primary school
    - Noise: The development will generate continuous, low-frequency, intrusive noise pollution. This includes mechanical noise from roof-mounted commercial exhaust fans and air conditioning units, heavy delivery trucks, slamming car doors, amplified speakers used for drive thru ordering. Noise will directly disrupt the quiet enjoyment of nearby residents, including the Aged Care facility—particularly during late-night and early-morning hours—and will negatively impact the learning environment of the adjacent primary school.
    - Visual Intrusion and Light Pollution: To operate safely at night, a fast-food outlet requires high-intensity LED carpark illumination, illuminated drive-thru pathways, and bright corporate signage. This excessive light spill will bleed directly into neighbouring residential properties and the sensitive aged care interface, disrupting sleep patterns and destroying the low-impact night-sky character of the Cowes township.
    - Atmospheric Emissions (Odour): Commercial cooking facilities of this scale discharge continuous, concentrated airborne cooking odours, oils, and emissions through exhaust stacks. Given the wind-prone coastal environment of Phillip Island, these strong food odours will drift onto the school grounds, outdoor recreational spaces, and neighbouring homes, severely degrading the local air quality and residential amenity.

16. Public Health and Community Wellbeing Considerations

YES, Include reason #16 in objection

While personal health outcomes alone are not determinative planning grounds, land-use decisions that affect children, schools, and community wellbeing are relevant planning considerations. Evidence consistently shows fast-food outlets are disproportionately located near schools and influence food environments. The siting of a high-volume fast-food outlet within walking distance of a primary school conflicts with emerging planning principles that support healthier, safer and more balanced community environments.
    - The proposed development will increase the availability and normalisation of ultra-processed fast-food in our community. There are evidence-based concerns about the cumulative impact of ultra processed food on community health, particularly for children and young people.
    - Access to healthy food underpins Bass Council's Municipal Health Plan which states that Council will facilitate healthy eating, promote healthy lifestyles and consider health outcomes in Planning decisions. Approving a fast-food outlet close to a primary school contradicts this policy position.

How I Will Be Affected if a Permit is Granted

If this permit is granted, my daily residential amenity, safety, and property value will be directly and detrimentally impacted in the following ways:
    1. Direct Safety Amenity Risks: As a local resident, my ability to safely navigate my neighbourhood will be compromised by the severe influx of traffic, gridlock, and blocked sightlines at the Thompson/Settlement intersection—particularly when driving or walking past the school and aged care precincts. I will be directly subjected to increased ambient noise, late-night light pollution, and fast-food litter blowing onto my property.
    2. Displaced Subdevelopment and Infill Pressure: By allowing a multinational commercial franchise to occupy a prime site perfectly suited for medium-density housing, Council will create an artificial shortage of infill land within the Cowes township boundary. This will inevitably redirect severe subdevelopment and infill pressures elsewhere, including increasing the town boundary and reducing the green belt.
    3. Erosion of Local Community Wealth and Services: As a resident who relies on a vibrant, diverse, and economically healthy town centre, a severe reduction in trade for our local businesses directly diminishes my local amenity. it will reduce the variety of services available to me, lower the economic resilience of my community, and degrade the unique 'seaside village' character that makes Cowes a deeply valued place to live.
    4. Direct Detriment to Living Conditions via noise and light Pollution: If this permit is granted, my health, well-being, and daily living conditions will be directly degraded by the operational emissions of the facility. I will be forced to endure intrusive noise from drive-thru speakers, commercial exhaust fans, light spill from corporate signage shining into my property at night, and persistent cooking odours that will restrict my ability to open windows or comfortably use my private outdoor areas. This represents a severe and direct reduction in the residential amenity I am legally entitled to.
    5. Harm to local businesses: I regularly support local businesses and eateries and concerned about their viability if this development proceeds, closures or reduced opening hours would affect my socialisation, choice and in particular my family and friends with special dietary needs that the local restaurants and cafes currently cater for.
    6. Impact on Local Character and Tourism: I have lived and visited here for many years and the character of this town is central to why I and my family chose to make it our home. The proposed development will remove Cowes/ Phillip Island special identity.
    7. Traffic congestion and road safety concerns: I use both Settlement Rd & Thompson Ave daily and currently experience significant delays. I am particularly concerned about the safety of the elderly, children and my family walking to nearby schools, the foreshore and shopping precinct with heightened risk of accidents.
    8. Environmental & biodiversity concerns: I love Cowes & Phillip Island for its nature and very concerned about the risk to this environment reducing enjoyment for not only local residents but also tourists.

Conclusion

For the reasons outlined above, I urge the Bass Coast Shire Council to reject planning application PDPLANPER-2026/000285.

    Thank you for considering this submission. I request to be notified of any future Council meetings, reports, or decisions regarding this application.

    Yours sincerely

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