At Wednesday night’s meeting, Councillor Larry Whipper attempted to stop a land zoning change that would pave the way for the hamburger giant to take up the prime position.

But, except for a supporting vote from the mayor, the split remained unchanged.

In December, all but Crs Whipper and Jim Clark voted to change the land zoning of an adjacent residential block so that McDonald’s could build a drive-through restaurant on the corner of Suttor and Argyle Streets.

In doing so Council went against planning guidelines outlined in the Draft Local Environment Plan (LEP) 2009.

This will effectively allow McDonald’s to use a residential block for commercial means.

Cr Whipper began the discussion by comparing Council’s attitude to the rezoning needed for McDonald’s to other developments.

Councillors have been united in their opposition to rezoning changes for the senior’s housing development at the former Our Lady of Sacred Heart site and affordable housing at Moss Vale because they do not comply with the LEP, Cr Whipper said.

“Suddenly, inconsistency doesn’t matter,” Cr Whipper said.

“Let’s do it right so McDonald’s can come to Moss Vale.”

Cr Clark said he didn’t believe Council should bend the rules to help McDonald’s fit on the site.

“I am concerned that Council would so readily surrender its planning principles,” Cr Clark said.

“This is not the only site McDonald’s could be built on.”

Cr Halstead said having McDonald’s on that site would be a good addition to the town.

“As we have said before, this development will be one that will be good for Moss vale,” Cr Halstead said.

“They are a good corporate citizen... this is a very appropriate site when we look at the adjacent site.”

Cr David Stranger said regardless of whether McDonald’s moves in, the site would remain sterile without rezoning because the RTA would not approve vehicle access to the site.

Council will also help McDonald’s with its development application in terms of design, traffic, signage and layout issues.