PHOTO: McDonald’s. FILE

The Overseas Investment Office has approved the sale of a residential block in Wānaka to McDonald’s.

The corporation has applied for permission to build a 24-hour fast food outlet in the lakeside town of Otago, featuring seating for 75 people, a drive-thru, and parking for 24 cars.

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The proposal has sparked controversy, with resident Sarah Morrison leading a petition against it. She argues that the fast-food giant promotes unhealthy eating and generates significant food waste and pollution.

The Overseas Investment Office granted approval for the land sale last month.

The decision indicated that the fast-food outlet is expected to be operational by 2026.

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“Under the Overseas Investment Act 2005, McDonald’s Restaurants (New Zealand) Limited has received consent to purchase land in Wānaka for the development of a McDonald’s restaurant,” stated Rebecca McAtamney, Head of Regulatory Practice and Delivery at Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).

“The application was processed under the Sensitive Land – Non-residential use pathway and was decided by a delegated LINZ decision maker.

“Consent was required as the land proposed for purchase is classified as residential, making it sensitive under the Overseas Investment Act.

“The development is also subject to resource management consent processes overseen by the Queenstown Lakes District Council.”

The council noted that the resource consent application is currently on hold at McDonald’s request.

McDonald’s spokesperson Simon Kenny mentioned that the corporation is continuing to navigate the council consent process to open the outlet in Wānaka.

“This process includes providing the council with additional information as requested.

“Simultaneously, we’re working through a separate process related to the land purchase for the restaurant. One condition of that purchase is approval from the Overseas Investment Office, which has just been granted. This approval is necessary because McDonald’s New Zealand is a wholly owned subsidiary of McDonald’s Corp.”

SOURCE: NEWSHUB