Greytown developer faces court

ONGOING: Progress on the refurbishment of Greytown's old Four Square store in Main St into a retail and dining hub.

A Greytown developer will be prosecuted for allegedly demolishing historic features of a Main St building without permission.

South Wairarapa District Council has made a decision to take legal action against Steve Pilbrow and his company Westwood Commercial, which is currently developing the former Four Square grocery store building into a shopping centre.

It is thought to have been constructed in the 1940s and in September last year, the portico entrance of the building was removed and the interior gutted.

Group manager planning and environment Murray Buchanan, said under the district plan rules, any modification or demolition work of buildings in the heritage precinct of Greytown required consent and Mr Pilbrow had breached it by carrying out demolition work before obtaining it.

"Council has recently instructed its solicitors to initiate court proceeding under the Resource Management Act 1991 against those parties."

Mr Buchanan said the council had obtained legal advice to see if there was a viable case to be answered through the court.

"It's not our preferred outcome but when these things are done in a blatant manner ... you are left with little choice.

"It's part of enforcement, it is expensive and difficult [but] it was a carefully weighed up decision.

"We expect the documents to be lodged late next week or early the following week."

Chief executive Paul Crimp said council had considered its options carefully.

"We are supportive of the development but the rules have to be followed."

Development was still able to continue as Mr Pilbrow had applied for and obtained the required consents for building and the construction of a new building, beside it, from the council.

Mr Pilbrow said he wouldn't like to comment at this stage, until he received official documents from the council but he said the development could be affected.

The former Four Square is expected to house five retail outlets and a cafe, and the new building to house two retail shops, a restaurant and offices.

The district plan rule aims to protect the town's historical character.