Media release

10 September, 2007

Many submittors have an opinion on proposed café at Piha

A proposal to establish a new café at Piha has attracted 172 submissions, with 100 supporting the proposal, 71 opposed and one was neutral.

Submissions have now closed.

Preserve Piha Ltd proposes to develop the café at 20 Seaview Road on the site currently occupied by the old telephone exchange and the post office.

The proposal calls for the removal of the Post Office building and the conversion of the telephone exchange to a café.

The company says that it expects the majority of its custom will be drawn from local people or people already visiting Piha to go to the beach or attend an event.

Accordingly, the company says, it does not expect that the café to generate significant additional traffic.

Noise issues have also been addressed by reducing the opening hours by two hours -from 7am – 7pm, compared with the originally proposed 7am – 9pm.

However, this will still not allow the café to meet noise restrictions on Sundays and public holidays.

The company has also applied to the Auckland Regional Council for a consent for its plans to treat wastewater on site.

Supporters of the proposal say they will welcome the new café, which will add to the amenities of Piha and provide a meeting place for locals.

Opponents had a range of issues including extra traffic, wastewater disposal and noise.

While there is a clear majority favouring the café, this does not guarantee it will be granted resource consent, this is decided on the extent of compliance with the Resource Management Act – not on the number of submissions for and against.

Accordingly, the council will now review the submissions and is not expected to make a recommendation until November or December.

Preserve Piha Limited is a private company whose shareholders include former All Black Marc Ellis and two piha residents, plus three others.

ENDS

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