In a decision released today, the commissioners which held a hearing in Wanaka in November, declined consent for the restaurant.
The commissioners said the proposal will be contrary to the overall consideration of the objectives and policies of the Operative and Proposed District Plan.
The adverse effects on the environment were said to be more than a minor adverse effect on the approach to Wānaka, the landscape character and the visual amenity values of Mt Iron.
The fast food giant was planning a 445 sq m restaurant in the town. It was originally going to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week but this was changed during the hearing to a more limited opening of 6am-11pm and its logo sign was also reduced in size.
The application attracted more than 350 submitters with 90% of them against the proposal.
At the hearing much of the debate centred around the location of the restaurant which was near the entrance to the town with many submitters arguing it was located in a rural area.
- APL
