Hearing on supermarket plan begins
A SUPERMARKET planned for the Northlake subdivision will not have any adverse effects on trade competitors in Three Parks and central Wanaka, the developers’ counsel says.
The supermarket is the focal point of proposed changes to the Northlake special zone, which, if adopted, would see the total retail floor space in the zone grow from 1000sq m to 2500sq m, including a single 1250sq m space for a supermarket.
Independent commissioners David Whitney, David Mead and Scott Stevens heard legal submissions and evidence from requestor Northlake Investments Ltd in Wanaka yesterday on the first day of a hearing on what is known as plan change 53.
Northlake Investments is owned by Queenstown developers Michaela and Chris Meehan. Neither was present.
They were represented by barrister Warwick Goldsmith, who described the plan change as ‘‘very straightforward’’ and with minimal impact on other commercial centres, particularly Three Parks, where consent for a 4350sq m New World has been applied for by Foodstuffs.
‘‘There is no evidence whatsoever that economic effects [on the Three Parks centre] will arise [from a supermarket at Northlake],’’ Mr Goldsmith submitted.
However, there was much debate between the commissioners and Mr Goldsmith over if the plan change was consistent with existing Northlake Special Zone objectives and policies.
One of the policies states the zone has ‘‘to provide for smallscale neighbourhood retail activities to serve the needs of the local community’’.
Mr Whitney said he wondered how the supermarket fit that policy and asked Mr Goldsmith if it would be a largescale activity.
In response, Mr Goldsmith argued it would depend on the definition of neighbourhood retail activity, and believed the 1250sq m size of the planned supermarket meant there was ‘‘no doubt’’ it would be a smallscale supermarket.
Day two of the hearing will be held today, with submissions and evidence from Willowridge Developments Ltd, Central Land Holdings Ltd, and Allenby Farms Ltd, among others.