Environment Court backs council recommendation

Development of a Countdown supermarket and additional retail space on Jackson St, Petone, has been given the green light by the Environment Court.

The resource consent application for this major development was referred directly to the court – the first direct referral in the Wellington region under new provisions of the Resource Management Act.

A hearing was held in September and the court’s decision released earlier this month. The court agreed with council’s recommendation that the larger-scale development, including the supermarket, five small shops and an ATM, proceed despite opposition from the Petone Planning Action group and others.

Consent had earlier been granted for the supermarket, and building had started on that. Work can now start on the additional retail outlets.

Environmental Consents Manager Helen Oram said Countdown’s decision to refer the matter directly to the court – bypassing the normal step of a council hearing – was a first within the region.

“The request to go straight to the Environment Court for a final decision was made by the applicant, and council agreed to go down this route.

“We are pleased that the court agreed with the views of the council planner and the applicant that the retail opportunities were an appropriate fit for this commercial area of Petone.”

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