Car park development going ahead

During the meeting, Albany ward councillor Wayne Walker expressed his fears about the impact of the decision.

‘‘I am very much concerned around the lack of trust that I see growing within the Auckland community at large over this issue and any number of issues.’’

Auckland mayor Phil Goff urged councillors to reach a decision and not to defer it. ‘‘Lets have the courage to actually make a decision today. This is now in the third year of deliberation and we have had 25 meetings involving consultation. We can keep talking forever, but there’s only a point if you think you can reach a resolution at the end of it.’’

Panuku Development director Allan Young was touting the committee’s decision as a success and said, in a press release, it was a positive step in furthering the vision for Takapuna as a key metropolitan centre in Auckland.

‘‘We’ve listened to feedback from the community which identified the desire for new public space, improved connections and plenty of short-stay parking in the surrounding area,’’ Young said.

Legal action before the High Court regarding the sale of the car park was not up for discussion during the meeting, while the Takapuna Beach Business Association and Takapuna Action Group were denied speaking rights due to regulatory process.

SUPPLIED Bruce ‘the juice’ Coventry has had a juice stall at the Takapuna Sunday market, on the car park site, for eight years and says it has saved his business.