Consent for Countdown not advised

A PROPOSAL for a new Countdown supermarket in Alexandra has been dealt a blow after a planner recommended a resource consent for it be declined.

An independent commissioner is set to hold a hearing on November 23 and 24 after the supermarket and local developer CPD 2012 Ltd made a consent application in May this year.

The report by the council’s senior planning officer, Oli MonthuleMcIntosh, includes reports about noise levels, traffic flow issues and the economic impact.

‘‘I have come to the view that the proposal will result in adverse effects on the environment that are more than minor.

‘‘. . . on balance, the overall environmental effects of the proposal remain negative.

‘‘I therefore recommend that the commissioner decline the application for land use consent.’’

The proposed 3000sq m supermarket between Centennial Ave and Ventry St would be open from 7am to 11pm seven days a week, and included loading docks, heavy vehicle deliveries, commercial lighting, security fencing and signage.

It would lead to the creation of 40 to 60 jobs.

The report suggests the new supermarket could move retail activity away from the existing business centres.

Reducing the hours of operation to 8am to 8pm, making changes to Matau St, using the Centennial Ave frontage for service vehicle access, altering signage, and ensuring most deliveries are done during operational hours could help mitigate the issues.

A Countdown spokesperson said the company was looking forward to reading the report and reviewing the issues identified.

‘‘We’ll continue to work through the application with the local developer

CPD 2012 Ltd and the council on the resource consent application.’’

Central Otago District Council planning manager David Campbell said the recommendations in the report had been made with due consideration of all the information provided with the application, the submissions, and further information provided by the applicant subsequent to lodging the application.

‘‘However, the planning report does recommend that further information should be provided in regard to a range of issues.

‘‘If the application is declined, then the applicant can appeal the decision to the Environment Court.’’