Friends of gasworks oppose supermarket

Supermarket operator Progressive Enterprises' plans to build a Countdown outlet in South Dunedin have run into opposition from supporters of the Dunedin Gasworks Museum which is located next door.

The proposal will come before a resource consent hearings committee of city councillors Colin Weatherall, Richard Walls and Kate Wilson tomorrow.

Ther had been 20 submissions - 19 opposing the plan and just one in support - with the gasworks featuring in eight as a major concern.

The other issue listed in many submissions is the effect of the supermarket on traffic on the busy Andersons Bay Rd.

Progressive Enterprises has applied for consent to build the Countdown outlet on a 1.1ha site, a former car yard bordering Andersons Bay Rd, land it bought early last year.

The site was occupied by the Dunedin gasworks from 1863 until its closure in 1987.

Australian-owned Progressive has a 44% market share around the country, operates 150 Woolworths New Zealand, Countdown and Foodtown supermarkets, and supplies independent brands.

Council planner Lianne Darby said in a report the main public access to the supermarket would be from Andersons Bay Rd, with new traffic lights controlling access to a 179-lot car park.

Ms Darby recommended granting consent for what was a non-complying activity, a large-scale retail activity in an industrial zone.

Opposition by supporters of the gasworks includes a submission from the head of the prestigious English Heritage board, Sir Neil Cossons, who said it was one of the best and most complete examples of a gasworks in the world.

Submissions raised concerns about the impact of the supermarket on museum operations, a lack of consultation, and the close proximity of a wall to the gasworks.

Other opponents included neighbouring businesses Rockgas Ltd, and Foodstuffs Ltd, which owns Pak'n Save in Hillside Rd.