Mandeville Development takes a turn
An independent commissioner has granted a resource consent application for right-hand turn access to the Mandeville Village.
Independent hearings commissioner Cindy Robinson released her decision approving the development gaining right turn entry off Tram Rd on Wednesday.
On February 23, Robinson decided the new resource consent application from the developers, Ratua Holdings, did not require public notification.
Safety concerns around traffic access meant the original consent had to be reviewed.
The new application requested left-in access only at the eastern entrance – as proposed in the original consent with minor changes – and for right and left-turn access at the western entrance.
A reduced speed limit for the section of Tram Rd also impacted the safety issues.
‘‘I find that granting the resource consent, subject to conditions, will achieve the purpose of the Act by providing safe and effective access to Tram Rd from the business zone 4 at Mandeville in a way that avoids, remedies, and mitigates any actual and potential effects on the environment,’’ Robinson said.
‘‘Although the application is not the method of access and egress to Tram Rd anticipated in the District Plan, the outcome does achieve the objective.’’
The reconfigured access has been subject to review and input from at least six experienced traffic engineers, including two independent safety audits, Robinson said.
Developer Bevan Hames said that with the decision made, he could ‘‘get cracking towards completion’’.
The buildings have been handed over to the tenants to complete their fit-outs which Hames said will determine the opening dates.
‘‘There have been delays due to weather and other issues typical of construction, so the expectation now is it will be open by the end of March, subsequent to the tenants completing their fit-outs.’’
Meanwhile, the liquor licenses for three of the tenancies has met opposition.
Mandeville resident Gavin Bennett was the only submission opposed to the SuperValue applying for an off-licence but he didn’t turn up to the hearing to submit in person.
A Thai restaurant and the cafe/restaurant Platform have both applied for an on-licence, with Bennett opposing Platform’s application.
‘‘In all, this is the least amount of interest in any sort of licences going into a development that we’ve seen for a while,’’ WDC environmental services manager Malcolm Johnston said.