MEDIA RELEASE

Disappointment over building decision

For immediate release: Friday 11 November 2005

Environment Bay of Plenty is disappointed in a decision to decline its application for consent to construct a new office building in Tauranga.

The decision was made by independent hearings commissioner Doug Arcus on behalf of the Tauranga City Council today (Friday 11 November).

The regional council had applied for resource consent to build a 3600 square metre office building at Sulphur Point. It was on land it had exchanged with the Tauranga City Council two years ago.

Group manager corporate services Miles McConway says he is concerned at the basis on which the decision was made.

“It is incredulous that this application has been declined with reference to limiting the amount of recreational space in this general area when the site could be sold tomorrow to a port business operation that, as of right, would be able to stack containers there.

“The decision will put an unnecessary additional cost on the provision of accommodation that this council is required to have to discharge its duties in the Tauranga area. The need for accommodation and a locality near to the harbour and coastal environment will not go away.”

The council has 15 working days to decide whether or not to appeal the decision. Mr McConway will be seeking advice from the council’s solicitors to help councillors decide on the matter.

ENDS

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