A controversial fast-food development on the Pacific Hwy at Kariong has been approved by the Land and Environment Court (LEC) after originally being refused by the Central Coast Local Planning Panel in November 2023.
It had been referred to the Panel after 88 submissions were received by Central Coast Council, 86 of them objecting to the proposal, with a recommendation for refusal from Council.
But on May 2, LEC Commissioner Danielle Dickson upheld an appeal by Parklands Kariong Development following conciliation meetings between the developer and Council.
In upholding the appeal, Dickson granted approval for a four-lot subdivision at the entry to the parklands to house three fast-food outlets – McDonald’s, KFC and Guzman y Gomez (GYG).
The approval also encompasses associated external roadworks, earthworks, tree removal, landscaping, stormwater infrastructure and services, carparking and signage at 5 The Avenue.
Roadworks will include construction of a new left-in (only) entry road (right of carriageway) and deceleration lane to the Central Coast Hwy and a second internal road (right of carriageway) for the three proposed food and drink premises.
The McDonald’s restaurant will be on Lot 2 with a total gross floor area (GFA) of 380sqm, 38 car spaces and two drive-through bays.
KFC will be on Lot 3 with a GFA of 272sqm, 32 car spaces and two drive-through bays.
GYG will be on Lot 4 with a GFA of 277sqm, 28 car spaces and two drive-through bays.
The decision follows a conciliation conference organised by the court between Council and the developer, which was held on November 4, 2024.
Conciliation was ultimately terminated and the matter listed for hearing.
But the parties continued to negotiate in relation to the form of the development and appropriate conditions of consent resulting in amendments made to the DA in December 2024 addressing Council’s concerns.
The parties ultimately reached an agreement based on the amended plans and documents.
“As the presiding Commissioner, I am satisfied that the decision is one that the court could have made in the proper exercise of its functions,” Dickson said.
Dickson said Transport for NSW (TfNSW) had approved construction of vehicular access to Central Coast Hwy.
She was also satisfied that the development was not likely to have a serious and irreversible impact on biodiversity values and that proposed signage was withing acceptable parameters.
“The proposed identification signage will be compatible with the existing and desired future character of the Kariong locality and in particular the Mount Penang Parklands area … and is consistent with the particular commercial theme for outdoor advertising in this area,” the judgement said.
Dickson said signage would not obscure or compromise any important views, nor dominate the skyline.
Opponents of the development had expressed concerns regarding traffic and environmental impacts of the development and the proximity of fast-food outlets to nearby schools.
Kariong residents and local council said no to this proposal
Does not the locals have a voice anymore ?
Going to cause more traffic, rubbish and vandalism in the local area
to me it makes no sense to build this development there, why? those fast food outlets are well represented at West Gosford, perhaps these fast food purveyors are trying to draw custom off the M1 causing further traffic headaches on an already heavy traffic corridor during peak times, also creating greater traffic to those from the M1 to then return to the M1,the local community would not benefit from this development other than a small amount of youth employment, and disastrous impact from 24HR operation of these businesses, the noise alone would impact the surrounding suburb with traffic never ceasing.
This is a crazy approval for fast food outlets that will impact not only Kariong residents but the traffic flow that is already an issue, it will become unbearable for commuters, especially at peak hour times. Traffic coming off the M1 is already a nightmare. The traffic is affected at school pick up and drop off times to the point where you might sit in the queue at the lights for 3 changes of green lights before you can get through. What is council thinking???? Obviously not thinking about how this will impact our community or commuters alike.
it doesnt matter ,my comments like a lot of things governments do is not worth a cent. obesity alcohol
drugs gambling who actually cares.
What a joke. If you want junk food to eat, go down the hill to West Gosford, it’s only a 5 minute drive.
Absolutely disgraceful! No one in Kariong wants this awful smell amongst that beautiful nature, plus all this horrible food is 5 minutes away from us. Very disappointed in the local council again 😡
What a stupid decision…money talks. Outside a high school, with obesity on the rise, destroying local small takeaways, to put in chains that already have outlets within a few kilometres…not to mention traffic, further loss of open space, rubbish etc.etc.et.
What an unattractive entrance to the Central Coast that will be. West Gosford and Erina are all ready ugly sights with their huge signs for every business. Does making money have to dominate every aspect of our lives? very short sighted thinking by our Council
So disappointing once again for our beautiful environment and short sighted decisions by those in power. 😞 I agree with all of the above responses
Shame on you Council for not standing by your community… I agree with all above statements. How about fixing up our shameful look out coming up the hill 😡🤮