RESIDENTS across the river from a proposed McDonald's at South Murwillumbah voiced their concern at a community access meeting with councillors on Thursday night.

Gemma Breen spoke at the meeting on behalf of her parents, who lived on Tumbulgum Rd across the river from the former Norco Milk Factory site.

A development application was with Tweed Shire Council to build an IGA supermarket and McDonald's restaurant on the site.

Ms Breen said the fact McDonald's would be opened for 24 hours would reduce the quality of life for residents across the river from the site.

"We would wonder if the people here (councillors) would like to live opposite a fast-food giant that never sleeps," she said.

"I will highlight a number of reasons why this will do more damage than good. Quality of life for people on Tumbulgum Rd will be drastically reduced."

Ms Breen said noise and the neon lights from the restaurant would always be a presence for residents of Tumbulgum Rd.

"Sound travels across the water very well. Residents can already follow conversations at the pub," she said.

"As far as I know more young people and their cars will make noise in the car park late at night."

Chamber of Commerce president Toni Zuschke supported the development in South Murwillumbah and said it brought important services to the area.

"The consensus of most of the people was that they want it," Ms Zuschke said.

"They are very savvy business people and would have done their research on the area."