An artists impression of the 543 Te Atatu Rd site. Image: JLL Property.
An artists impression of the 543 Te Atatu Rd site. Image: JLL Property.
Plans for a 24-hour McDonald's in West Auckland has attracted widespread opposition from local residents.
The "No 24/7 Drive Through in Te Atatu Peninsula" petition on the Change.org website has attracted more than 1000 signatures appealing for Auckland Council to publicly notify residents of an application to change theresource consent at the site from a 10pm closing to a 24-hour operation.
Construction is already underway at the site at 543 Te Atatu Rd, previously occupied by a BP petrol station.
"Over the rear fence is a retirement village and the continual traffic, noise and fumes will have a huge impact of the quality of their lives," she wrote.
"From a community perspective, we already have surplus takeaway outlets and it is not necessary to have another one let alone one that is open all hours.
"Please, allow the community a chance to voice their concerns so you make a decision that will be the best thing for our community."
McDonald's NZ spokesman Simon Kenny said consent for a commercial development accommodating a McDonald's restaurant on the site had already been approved and the developer had filed a yet-to-be approved amendment.
"The developer is working through the council process, which is ongoing," he said.
"As with any potential new restaurant we are sensitive to the communities in which we operate."
Auckland Council spokesman Nigel Horrocks said the application was still being processed and no decision had been made on whether to hold a public notification process.
Waitakere Councillor Linda Cooper said in a statement that the application to amend the hours of operation and alter the site layout to accommodate a drive-through "has clearly caused considerable concern in the community".
"I am pleased that residents have acted proactively to voice that concern by signing an online petition and by making contact with their local elected members.
"The next step will be for the Hearings Committee to determine whether the notification decision be made internally or by an independent commissioner."
Developer Antony Arnerich declined to comment on the opposition.
Jones Lang LaSalle real estate agent Christopher Beasleigh said all but one available leases at the site had been tenanted on the two-level development.
Other businesses occupying the site include Tank juice, Bruce Lee Sushi, Discoveries Educare childcare, Anytime Firness 24 hour gym, a local roast shop and dumpling house, he said.
Construction at the site was progressing well and was scheduled to be completed by January 2016, Beasleigh said.
A previous developer planned to build a 10-storey apartment block on the site, but backed down following protests from local residents.
