Resource consent to Alexandra’s proposed Countdown supermarket has been granted. 

A report by the Hearings Commissioner states the proposal has been granted, “under sections 104 and 104B of the Resource Management Act 1991, to CPD 012 Limited to construct and operate a Countdown supermarket on land fronting Centennial Avenue and Ventry Street in Alexandra”. 

The approval is subject to conditions set out in the report. 

The initial application had been recommended for rejection by Central Otago District Council (CODC) planners, which were concerned with potential impacts on nearby roading, residential housing and local business areas. 

The proposal was then put before a Hearings Commissioner with CODC recommendations for changes to the proposal. 

An artist’s impression of the Countdown supermarket, which has been approved for Alexandra.

The approved site plans indicate the gross floor area will be 3,000 m2, with customer parking for 114 vehicles. 

CODC Planning Manager David Campbell says the commissioner has made a decision to approve the application for a Countdown supermarket in Alexandra after changes made by the applicant after its initial proposal was rejected.  

“In doing so, the commissioner noted that the decision to approve was finely balanced and the changes made by the applicant at the hearing in response to both submitters’ concerns and Council’s Senior Planner’s recommendations went a long way to resolve the issues raised.”

“The decision is subject to appeal by the applicant and/or submitters, with a 15 working day appeal period (ends Tues 9 Feb).”

Countdown’s Acting GM Property Matt Gainger says the organisation is excited the approval has been granted.

"We’re really pleased that CPD Ltd has been granted resource consent to bring a brand new, full-service Countdown supermarket to Alexandra. 

"Over the years we’ve received a huge amount of requests for another supermarket in the area, and it’s exciting to finally be able to offer more choice and another supermarket option to local residents and visitors, as well as create around 80 new jobs. 

"We’ll be working with CPD Ltd to work through the design and construction process, and will be able to communicate this to the community in due course. We’re hoping to open the new store in late 2022."

The Hearings Commissioner, Gary Rae, states in the report that the supermarket must adhere to strict conditions, such as delivery times, opening times, as well as light and noise levels.

The Countdown supermarket will feature 114 customer carparks and a gross floor area of 3,000 m2.

Prior to opening the store for public trading, the consent holder shall submit to the Planning Manager evidence that all conditions of consent required to be satisfied ‘prior to operation’ have been adhered to.

The opening hours of the supermarket shall not extend beyond the hours of 7am to 10pm, seven days.

“At least three weeks prior to works commencing that may affect the State Highway road reserve, an agreement to work on the State highway and a traffic management plan must be completed and submitted to the NZ Transport Agency’s network outcomes contractor (Aspiring Highways)

“Detailed engineering plans for the proposed changes to Council’s road network (Matau Street and Ventry Street), shall be designed by an appropriately qualified professional.

“In the year following the commencement of supermarket operations, during the months of June or July, a review of actual light spill shall be undertaken by a suitably qualified person on behalf of the consent holder.  

“The completed report shall be provided to the Council’s Planning Manager within two weeks of the review being completed.” 

Images courtesy Countdown. 

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