McDonald's has confirmed the chain has applied for another consent to build at Three Parks in Wānaka, after an application to build at the Mt Iron roundabout was rejected because of strong community opposition.
"As previously stated, our intention remains to open a restaurant in Wānaka. A number of alternative sites presented themselves following the hearing on the Mt Iron resource consent," a spokesperson said.
"We have now lodged a resource consent application for a site in Three Parks, zoned business mixed use. We will now work through the consent process with council. Subject to consent approval we will then confirm a planned opening date."
The application for a 450.4sq m McDonald’s restaurant and drive-through — located near the BP service station at Three Parks, at 1 Sir Tim Wallis Dr — is being vetted by the Queenstown Lakes District Council, QLDC confirmed.
The restaurant and drive-through would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week — the first of its kind in Wānaka.
The new application is for a 6m-high, single-level restaurant building with seating for 75 diners.
Signs would include a 6m high blade sign with an illuminated "M", and there would be 19 carparks, including two parks within a drive-though lane at the "grill order".
Pizza Hut is also looking at sites in Three Parks, although no resource consent has yet been lodged, according to QLDC.
Willowridge director Allan Dippie confirmed he had spoken to both chains. He did not expect any community backlash about fast food outlets coming to town.
"I expect most of the township will be very happy with the location. The overwhelming feedback from the community has been that Three Parks is the most suitable location for McDonald’s to locate."
McDonald’s had met all of Three Parks’ design guidelines.
While there are several cafes and restaurants popping up at Three Parks, it was not a fast-food hub, Mr Dippie said.
"There are plenty of fast-food outlets in both the township and at Three Parks. Restaurants and cafes are just one component of our overall mix of new businesses and tenants."
He said there was a strong possibility both fast food chains would be approved, and added there could be more.
"We have a number of new operators going in, from pizza to sushi to cafes and we expect more enquiries over time."
During the Mt Iron resource consent hearing opponents suggested Three Parks would be a more appropriate option.
Those who opposed the roundabout did not want a fast a fast-food restaurant as a gateway to the township.
