TECOMA residents are ‘‘gutted’’ the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has given approval to fast-food chain McDonald’s to build a restaurant in their town.
McDonald’s had appealed to the VCAT after Yarra Ranges Council last year refused its application to open a store on Burwood Highway, following strong community opposition.
The VCAT handed down its decision today.
President of the Tecoma Village Action Group Nicole Gale said campaigners were ‘‘gutted’’ and ‘‘very disappointed’’ by the decision.
‘‘We can’t understand how they’ve come to this decision. We’ve proven that McDonald’s has been misleading about how the development will affect traffic flows,’’ she said.
Ms Gale said TVAG has vowed to continue a publicity campaign against the restaurant and will consider appealing the decision at the Supreme Court if it is an option.
More to come.