Birkdale residents deliver petition opposing McDonalds 24/7 restaurant

Spokesman for Local Action Birkdale Stephen Sharry said he was concerned the proposed McDonalds at Birkdale Fair Shopping Centre would cause chaos with the traffic and parking at the centre.

"We don't need shoddy, half-baked designs in the Redlands. Another fast food restaurant is not needed in the area," he said.

According to Mr Sharry, 88 parking lots would be removed from the front of the shopping centre to make space for the restaurant and drive-through. New parking lots would be built at the rear of the centre near the delivery trucks entrance and Woolworths pick-up.

"This will surely affect the easy flow of traffic into the mall. People shop at Birkdale Fair as it's convenient - it's easy to get in and out, however this plan is going to be a mess," Mr Sharry said.

He said the parking at the rear was not suitable as it was "a long, hot walk" to the entrance of the shopping centre.

Mr Sharry said the 24/7 fast food restaurant would be in the middle of a residential area and he was concerned with noise late at night.

"We're not against McDonalds, but common sense has to prevail," he said.

The Local Action Birkdale committee delivered a petition with 771 signatures opposing the McDonalds plan and provided the Redlands City council planning team with a detailed submission outlining the major issues with the proposal.

The development is code assessable meaning it does not have to be advertised to the public due to its compliance with local planning provisions.

Cr Paul Bishop said he had called in the proposal to be assessed by full council.

"I do agree with the residents, there are many potential impacts resulting from the proposal. There have been a series of meetings, public and private and now we are awaiting further applications from the developer. They have asked for extra time, until the end of April to address the residents issues," he said.

Cr Bishop said he encouraged local community action and helped residents voice their opinions in the appropriate manner.

"Come decision time, the residents views will be heard by council and I will ask councilors to look at the potential impact the proposed development will have on the area," said Cr Bishop.

Mr Sharry said: "The deadline for the developer is well beyond the upcoming election (March 28) and into a period of either a new look council or the same council. It also gives the developer another opportunity to redesign their proposal".