Locals protest against new fast food restaurant

Dozens of locals have been protesting against the construction of a fast food restaurant at Tecoma in Melbourne's east.

Four people are camped on the roof of the McDonalds construction site and several others are picketing out outside.

Some of the demonstrators spent the night on the roof of the establishment and intend to stay there until the fast food chain listens to their demands.

McDonalds first lodged an application two years ago to build a restaurant at Tecoma.

The Yarra Ranges Council had voted against the project, but the decision was overturned after McDonalds took the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

The Premier Denis Napthine says he has no plans to intervene in a controversial development at Tecoma.

Dr Napthine says the development is in the hands of local authorities.

"People have got the right to protest, that's one of our great freedoms of our democracy," he said.

"But their protests shouldn't impinge on the rights of others."

"Protests are legal and lawful if they behave themselves, so I say to protesters, raise your voice, raise your concerns, but don't impinge on other people going about their lawful business."

Deputy Opposition Leader and local member James Merlino says the VCAT decision is a disgrace.

"Tourists visit the Dandenong's precisely because it's not another suburb of Melbourne," he said.

"My greatest concern with McDonalds here in Tecoma, if this goes ahead it opens the gates for franchises, fast food franchises throughout the hills."

Gallery: Protesters vow to keep fighting against a planned McDonalds building at Tecoma

Source: ABC News, 2 July 2013