By Alesha Capone
VCAT has given the green light for plans to build a Hungry Jacks outlet in Altona North after Hobsons Bay City Council turned down the development.
Last month, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal gave permission for the fast food restaurant to set up shop at 155-159 Millers Rd, near the corner of Blackshaws Rd.
While the VCAT trial was being heard, solicitor Adeline Lane spoke on behalf of the Hungry Jacks developers.
Ms Lane said the restaurant was originally going to open for 24 hours, but had agreed to restricted hours set out by the council.
The restaurant will instead trade between 6am-midnight Sunday to Thursday and 6am-1am Friday to Saturday.
The Hungry Jacks will also be required to provide seating for less than 70 patrons and install 20 car parks.
Hobsons Bay City Council told VCAT the Hungry Jacks would be “more appropriately located within an activity centre” than a residential zone.
However, VCAT member Megan Carew said the site had a café permit dating back to 1985 and had ceased trading as Godfrey’s Pizza Restaurant in 2011.
The council also said the Hungry Jacks proposal would “have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of the immediate neighbours”.
Two residents neighbouring the property told VCAT the development could impact on their backyards with noise, traffic, activity, lighting and potential fumes.
“The use proposed will have general amenity impacts of odour, litter, patron management, waste removal and deliveries,” Ms Carew said.
But she said these matters could be addressed through permit conditions submitted to the council.
The restaurant developers have also agreed to restrict vehicle access to the site from Blackshaws Rd with entry and exit only being permitted on the left.
