Following a lengthy hearing at the end of last year, the corporation was denied consent to build a 445sqm eatery located near State Highway 6, at the base of Mt Iron.
The controversial hearing received a total of 366 submissions of which 339 opposed the resource consent.
Most opposing submissions found the location inappropriate as it was considered a treasured local landmark and an entrance into town.
Commissioners Helen Atkins (chairwoman), Lisa Mein and Robert Scott made their decision to decline, saying the proposed McDonald’s would have more than minor adverse effects on landscape character and visual amenity.
McDonald’s responded to the decision saying it did not plan to make an appeal but still intended to work through correct processes and open a restaurant in Wānaka.
The company confirmed its intention to build an eatery still stands, but had no update to give on its process or whether it was looking for a new location.
The proposed location was on land owned by Peter Greene and Steve Shikker as part of the Mt Iron Junction development which is not zoned as reserve land.
Although it is classified as a rural location, given that it is not protected land, development is viable and a Caltex service station has been approved on another location as part of the junction.
McDonald’s did not pursue an appeal for its proposed location, leaving the site available for another contender to propose a development that better aligns with zoning and landscape guidelines.
The landowners had previously indicated they were open to other commercial proposals but did not respond to requests for comment. — Allied Media
