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The Environment Court has upheld the resource consent for building a Pak'n Save supermarket in Wairau Rd, on the North Shore.
Foodstuffs Auckland built the supermarket in 2005 but has been unable to open it because of the appeal to the court by competitor Progressive Enterprises, which owns Foodtown, Woolworths and Countdown outlets.
"We would like to open this store as soon as possible," Foodstuffs chief Tony Carter said last night.
The court's decision, he said, reflected the opinion of economist expert witnesses that consumers would welcome introduction of strong competition in the area.
Progressive general manager of property Adrian Walker said he was disappointed with the decision. The company had not had the chance to review it and decide whether to appeal. It had disputed the fairness of rezoning the site for retail.
North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams said he would be disappointed if the company made a further appeal. "There's a huge feeling in the community to just let's get this open."
He had told Progressive it had selfishly stood in the way of a catalyst for regeneration of the Wairau Valley commercial area that would spur economic growth and create jobs.
Glenfield Community Board chairman David Thornton said residents held meetings and organised petitions in support of Pak'n Save. "They have experienced feelings of frustration when they drive past the completed but empty building every day."
