Despite a controversial debate in the community, McDonald’s has been given the green light to open a restaurant complex in Wanaka.
The issue dates back several years, with many locals staunchly opposed to the idea of the fast food giant moving into their neighbourhood.
McDonald’s will now proceed to build a 450 square-metre restaurant in the Wanaka area, which will be open for 24 hours a day and operate a drive-thru service.
The Queenstown-Lakes District Council signed off on consent for the development by approving it through a non-notified process. This meant the public has no opportunity to comment on the proposal, unlike the previous application that attracted 367 public submissions.
Ian Bayliss, a senior council planner, said the proposal would have no more than minor adverse effects on the wider environment, and that neither public no limited notification was required under the Resource Management Act.
The Queenstown-Lakes District Council said although the activity was assessed as “non-complying” under the Proposed District Plan, the proposal passed both legal gateway tests, and it was not contrary to relevant objections and policies.
It also accepted expert peer reviews on traffic and acoustics, and concluded that any adverse effects would be largely confined to land owned by Willowridge Developments, the sites owner which had provided approval.
The council also said the design, landscaping and materials were appropriate for the proposed Three Parks site, and that any impact on traffic would be negligible. Issues such as lighting, servicing and stormwater management had also been adequately addressed.
Consent has been granted for five years, and has included such conditions as landscaping to be completed before opening, council officers to approve final sign materials, and environmental management plans to be in place prior to construction starting.
The Wanaka restaurant will be located on Sir Tim Wallis Drive, adjacent to State Highway 84.
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