McDonald’s has reignited its attempt to open a restaurant in Wanaka, months after its first bid was rejected.
The fast-food giant has lodged a resource consent application with the Queenstown Lakes District Council to build a new restaurant in the Three Parks area of Wanaka.
In February, McDonald’s proposal to build a restaurant near the Mt Iron roundabout was declined following an independent commissioner’s report, which found it would have adverse effects on the environment, and described it as having more than just a minor impact on the local community.
At the time, McDonald’s said their intent remained to open a restaurant in Wānaka.
Local leaders have said that the development will have an adverse impact on the visual and aesthetic values of the location, and that it did not align with the community’s objective to protect and enhance the natural landscapes.
Thirty percent of people within the Wanaka community have signed a petition to stop the global fast-food giant from opening in Wanaka. The main concerns have been cited as waste and the environmental impact. One submission said that the heart of Wanaka’s shared values was to protect its natural environment.
Some submissions have also outlined the excessive traffic that would be caused if a McDonald’s restaurant opened in the area. Locals are concerned that late night drive thru orders will disturb nearby houses. Pollution and the effect the opening would have on the local hospitality sector were also notable issued that locals voiced to the council.
However, there is support for the arrival of the golden arches in the region, adding that with restricted opening hours, it won’t make any difference to the community.
Another resident said that a McDonald’s restaurant would make a positive addition to the the current take-away food businesses in Wanaka, and that it was appropriate for residents to have their choice of food.
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