McDonald's wants ODZ land near airport for relocation

A new McDonald's drive-in restaurant is being proposed on a massive 7,002 square metre piece of land – the size of a football pitch – outside the development zones facing a roundabout in the vicinity of the airport’s Skyparks complex.

A McDonald's drive-in already exists a short distance away at the Malta International Airport’s car park.

Asked whether the application foresees a relocation of the existing restaurant, a spokesperson for the company was non-committal, insisting that the development as proposed is only a proposal and the company “will await the outcome of the application process and proceed accordingly”.

The spokesperson also confirmed that the present area is leased and any plans for the existing site are the prerogative of its landowner.

The land earmarked for the development, described as vacant in the application, is covered with soil and includes two oleander trees and two prickly pear trees and is fully owned by Premier Limited.

The application foresees the construction of a Class 4D McDonald’s restaurant offering a drive-in service, an outdoor parking area, and a large landscaped area buffering the site. “The proposal focuses on a green building that is innovative in design, environment-friendly and sustainable,” the spokesperson said.

But the master plan presented to the Planning Authority envisions a 1,156 sq.m parking area, which includes 50 parking spaces, a 473 sq.m restaurant area and extensive hard surfacing for cars making use of the drive-in. A substantial part of the land will be landscaped.