Arch Hill residents take Bunnings fight to court

Arch Hill residents protest outside the Auckland Council's Civic Building, during a hearing into the proposed Bunnings Warehouse development on Great North Rd, Grey Lynn. Photo/Brett Phibbs NZHerald

The Arch Hill Residents Society is going to the Environment Court, appealing against Bunnings being given permission to build in their Auckland neighbourhood.

A statement from the society said a legal team and other experts were consulted to reach the decision.

Independent planning commissioners allowed the store to rise at 272-276 and 300-302 Great North Rd but the society said the commissioners failed to consider concerns.

A $50,000 fundraising effort helped pay bills from the first hearing, they said, but more money was now being raised for the court appeal.

Last month commissioners chaired by Greg Hill granted consent for the Bunnings retail store on the site between Great North Rd, King St and Dean St, saying the building met design criteria and would contribute to a diverse and compatible mix of activities.

It would enable the development of the area as a vibrant urban space, the decision said.

Adverse aspects included visual and dominance effects, additional traffic, noise, vibration and other construction-related effects. However, the commissioners decided the building was a very different type of Bunnings to the standard warehouse and trading times and days had been limited.

The shop will be 8430sq m and have a cafe, outdoor garden nursery, office areas, timber trade sales area, building and plumbing supplies and timber and joinery materials.