Glebe Hill father Andrew Seward is one of more than 200 residents who have signed a petition saying “no to 24/7 trading” of a McDonald’s development for 30 Pass Rd as part of the Glebe Hill Village development.
Mr Seward, a nearby resident of the planned Maccas site, said he did not oppose the development itself but rather its operating hours — which he feared could lead to crime — and the restaurant’s proximity to homes.Proponent Tipalea Partners in a letter to Clarence City Council said the Maccas car park would employ more safety measures than any other store in Hobart, with full CCTV coverage, car counters and number plate recognition at the entrances.A petition page against the proposed trading hours said 24/7 operating would “most definitely” result in an over capacity of vehicle traffic, hooning within the estate, unwanted night time activity and increased littering.A possible increase in crime and noise pollution were also issues raised.Mr Seward, who moved to the area in 2015, said he and other neighbours would consider moving from the area if the proposal gets approval and late night unruly behaviour ensues.“My biggest concern is by opening a 24/7 McDonald’s there it will turn into one big hang out area and unnecessary hooning and that type of behaviour will occur,” he said.“They say there will be security on site but that would only move on people to go loiter in the streets.”
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Other petition supporters said the proposed development was a bad idea.“[There is] no need to have 24/7 [trading] when there is already a 24/7 McDonald’s 10 minutes away,” Jessica Scott wrote.Nell Maree said she supported the development but opposed its proposed operating hours.“We already have huge issues with midnight burn outs and burglaries — particularly on the Rokeby side of Glebe Hill — and we are mostly young families living in this area,” she said.“We need to keep it safe and reasonable.”A community consultation meeting on the proposed development is set to take place next week, which Tipalea Partners chief executive Scott Spanton will attend.He said it was “great to see such an engaged community”.“We always knew the McDonald’s application would not please everyone,” he said.“The [village] supermarket already has approval to trade 24/7 with restrictions only on delivery times. We are seeking the same for McDonald’s — no more, no less.”“We understand the three biggest issues with 24/7 trade is the potential for residents to be affected by noise, light or anti-social behaviour in the car park. All of these issues have been addressed in detail in our application.”Mr Spanton said 24/7 McDonald’s trade would create “significantly” more jobs.
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