Sunshine Coast Council today refused an application for a McDonalds restaurant near the intersection of Caloundra Street and Steve Irwin Way at Landsborough.The site is at a major gateway to one of the Coast’s charming townships with a visible heritage character.
The Strategy and Planning report tabled at council’s Ordinary Meeting recommended the refusal due to a number of conflicts with the planning scheme (the Caloundra City Plan 2004).
The restaurant was proposed to operate 24 hours, with a drive-through facility and queuing for 14 vehicles, provide indoor and outdoor seating areas, as well as a children’s play area. Access was proposed from Gateway Avenue, rather than Caloundra Street.
The report considered by council today outlined how the application was in conflict with some significant strategic aspects of the planning scheme, including the protection of industrial land stock, and preservation of the character and identity of the gateway to the hinterland areas and scenic routes of Landsborough, Steve Irwin Way and the Blackall Range tourist drive.