MEDIA RELEASE

29 November 2016

Agreement Reached on Countdown Pioneer Highway Proposal

The Palmerston North City Council and Progressive Enterprises have reached an agreement on the proposed Countdown supermarket, commercial and retail development on Pioneer Highway.

Progressive Enterprises has been seeking resource consents for the development on two hectares of land in the City's Local Business Zone.

Last year Independent Resource Commissioners turned down the company’s application on the grounds it did not fully comply with the City Council’s planning rules.

A hearing on the case began in the Environment Court this morning but was adjourned to allow Palmerston North City Council and Progressive Enterprises time to negotiate in a bid to resolve some outstanding issues.

The two parties have reached an agreement and have asked the Court to order a consent that will allow the supermarket and retail development to go ahead.

PNCC Customer Services General Manager Peter Eathorne says both sides have agreed on changes to the design.

“This will enhance the look of the development from the street front and also provide more open space,” Mr Eathorne says.

Progressive Enterprises says it has no comment to make at this stage.

Mayor Grant Smith says he is pleased the development has got over the line.

“People city-wide and especially those from the community of Awapuni have been telling us they really want this neighbourhood centre which includes the Countdown supermarket to go ahead. They also they really appreciate the amount the company is investing in the City.”

‘A way has been found that satisfies the community, the Council and Progressive Enterprises. It will provide us with a new amenity and dozens of new local jobs,” says Mayor Smith.

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