A plan to build a 24-hour McDonald's restaurant in one of Melbourne's trendiest suburbs has been knocked back following a fierce community backlash.

Darebin councillors yesterday voted 6-3 in opposition to the planning motion to transform a fire damaged and vacant building at 323 High Street, in the northern suburb of Northcote, into a convenience restaurant.

McDonald's did not need to seek planning permission because the site was in a commercial zone and and didn't require a permit to become a fast-food outlet.

Planning officers told the council meeting that four years ago the site was granted a redevelopment permit, and the new application just altered the permit to enable the building of a restaurant.

But over past months, the plan has triggered strong opposition from Northcote r

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