Gull unmanned service station given go ahead

South Waikato District Council is disappointed about the decision to allow the proposed unmanned service station on the old 'blue building' site to go ahead.

Council had opposed the development because of its own plans to enhance and redevelop Leith Place over the coming years.

"The prospect of an unmanned service station in the middle of Leith Place is disappointing," said His Worship the Mayor Neil Sinclair. "However, Council is undeterred. It is vital that we improve Leith Place and make the space more inviting to travellers and our own community."

"I would like to thank those in the business community and public at large who were of the same mind and supported Council in its opposition," continued Mayor Sinclair. "We welcome ideas on the Leith Place development from the community and the business leaders who have recently aligned to work together to further business development in Tokoroa."

Mr Larry Sullivan of local business Morisseys supported Council's opposition during the hearings saying, "I find the proposed Gull Station does not in any way enhance or offer anything positive to the CBD of Tokoroa. Its placement denies the long term plan of an attractive Civic Hub to take place. The economic benefit to one corporate will over shadow the environmental and economic benefits as well as the future hopes and aspirations of a town."

"With the bypasses of both Taupo and Cambridge, Tokoroa is ideally placed to attract both north and south bound travellers to stop and take a break here," said Acting Chief Executive Ben Smit. "Currently Leith Place is not as inviting as it could be; and Council has committed close to $1.5million to making improvements that will invite more people to stop. This in turn will have a positive economic spin-off for businesses, especially those in Leith Place, but for others in the CBD as well.

"The site would have been perfect for an open, inviting 'take a break' space as an entranceway into the CBD," said Mr Smit. "We understand that the site may have some space available and we look forward to working with the applicant and Raukawa as to how we can best align that space and the development itself with the larger Leith Place development."

The independent Commissioner, Mr Alan Watson found that the case for the Council is acknowledged but the points raised in its opposition were not sufficient to lead to the application being refused.

The consent is subject to several conditions including ensuring that effects relating to noise, lighting, construction, the route for tanker delivery vehicles, facility maintenance, landscaping and hazardous substances are avoided or suitably mitigated. And a review condition provides for Council to revisit the conditions in the case of any unforeseen adverse effects arising from the facility."

The decision also accounts for points raised by Council including encouraging the consent holder to liaise with Council in relation to landscaping or similar to ensure some integration of the development with the commercial centre, possibly through a talking pole; and towards providing for some small measure of local employment. Ends: words: 495

If you are interested in reading the full decision, access here.