Warehouse gets approval for building on Pah Rd site

File photo / NZ Herald

Auckland Council planning commissioners have approved The Warehouse's latest store in Pah Rd as long as its gates are locked at night to stop the large carpark being used for parties and a race track.

The store will be of a similar size to the one in the Lincoln Rd "big box" zone and have room for 339 cars.

Although granting resource consents against the wishes of 20 objectors, the commissioners agreed with neighbours' concerns about after-hours activities in the carpark.

The company did not want gates at the entrances on Mt Albert and Pah Rds.

But former Kiwi rugby league player Gary Prohm, whose automotive business borders the site, told the Herald the 2.4ha vacant lot had attracted homeless people, vandals and thieves.

Neighbouring resident Mike Williams welcomed locked gates.

"Previously we've had drag racing, drug dealing and a criminal element so it gives us some surety that it will be quiet there from 10pm to 7am."

The commissioners said they empathised with the concern.

It was appropriate to impose a condition for the carpark to be locked against activities such as car racing and car parties, or other activities that may disturb the neighbourhood.

However, other community objections against the store were ignored, said Puketapapa Local Board member Julie Fairey.

A public meeting to discuss a possible appeal against the decision will be held at 2.30pm on Sunday, May 8, at the Fickling Centre, Three Kings.

Community concerns included traffic jams and accidents, parking loss, clearing of protected trees, flooding and the store clashing with the character with the neighbourhood.

The Warehouse is paying for widening Pah Rd from its intersection with Mt Albert Rd to two traffic lanes for 100m.

The work will take away some on-street parking outside Seymour Park.