Woolworth’s proposed alterations to a contentious resource consent application have failed to get buy-in from either South Wairarapa District Council or Waka Kotahi.
The application – for the development of a Main St accessway to Greytown’s FreshChoice supermarket, and related signage – was the subject of a two-day hearing at the beginning of October.
Those who spoke against granting the consent cited issues of traffic and pedestrian safety, and the compromising of heritage values.
After the hearing closed, Woolworths submitted consent condition alterations that would restrict all right turn movements into the drive off SH2.
Council transport expert Harriet Fraser she didn’t believe the new arrangement would prevent right turns into the drive.
“I remain concerned about the scale of customer traffic activity entering the Main St driveway along with the hours of operation of the store and the associated adverse safety and amenity effects for pedestrians walking along the Main St frontage.”
Fraser continued to note she could not support the proposal as lodged due to significant pedestrian activity in the area.
Waka Kotahi spokesperson Terry Church made similar comments in a response from the transport body and noted the proposed design outcomes did not fit with industry guidelines.
“The wide access and conflicts introduced when establishing a high volume access within a main street environment continues to present safety concerns.”
Church said he supports an alternative option, for a delivery vehicle exit only onto Main St.
Independent commissioner Lindsay Daysh has confirmed that he now has adequate information to make a decision on whether Woolworths is able to proceed with its proposed accessway.
It is expected that a decision will be sent to all parties on or before Monday, November 27.
