Defiant residents have vowed never to give up after McDonalds secured a huge court win – paving the long-opposed move to build a restaurant in one of Melbourne’s trendiest suburbs.

The fast food conglomerate won an appeal in Victoria’s administrative tribunal after fighting back against a decision by Darebin City Council, which blocked the construction of a McDonald’s restaurant in Melbourne’s inner north.

The planning permit applies to the land on High St in Northcote which was declared the “coolest street” by Time Out magazine in 2024.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) ultimately ruled in favour of the fast food chain despite the council’s many points of issues submitted to the court.

Speaking to 9News, resident Andy Miller said the decision was “disappointing” but vowed the battle was not over.

“McDonald’s may have succeeded up to this point in this skirmish, but the campaign to halt the spread of these fast-food goliaths is far from over,” Miller told the broadcaster.

“‘No Macca’s Campaigns’ are increasing nationally.”

The council had opposed the planning permit as “a large format fast-food outlet will materially alter the look, feel, and identity of the precinct”.

They also raised concerns about the environmental impacts, a potentially negative effect on property prices and the increase of traffic and congestion in the area.

A petition to “stop McDonald’s from opening in Northcote” gained more than 11,300 signatures from people concerned the street, renowned for its “local charm and community-based spirit”, would be “overshadowed” by the 24/7 outlet.

There are already two existing McDonald’s stores within a 3.5km radius of the proposed site of 319-325 High Street.

However, VCAT member Michael Deidun said he could not refuse the application based purely on who intended to occupy the site.

“This Tribunal does not have the power to review the corporate approach of McDonalds, its work practices and ethics, the type of food it produces, its impact on human health, or whether it fits the ‘cool’ vibes of its context,” he said.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said the appeal was “fairly and rightly assessed on its merits”.

“The restaurant will be owned and operated by a local Franchisee, who will contribute to the local area through employment, access to training and development opportunities, and supporting local community organisations,” the spokesperson said.

McDonald’s claims the store will generate about 100 construction jobs and an additional 100 jobs for Northcote locals once operational, including full-time, part-time and casual positions.

“We look forward to joining Northcote and playing an active role in the local community when the restaurant opens later this year,” the spokesperson said.

Darebin City Council CEO Anne Howard said VCAT’s decision overrules the council’s previous refusal of the application.

“During the process, council raised concerns about the potential impact of the proposal on the character, amenity and operation of the Northcote Activity Centre,” she said.

Ms Howard said the council will work with McDonald’s to ensure the altered permit conditions are applied appropriately and in a way that “minimises impacts on neighbouring businesses, residents and the broader local amenity”.