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McDonald's gets go ahead to build Havelock North restaurant

Friday 1 April 2011, 12:13PM

By Hastings District Council

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McDonald's 3D Image (Building)
McDonald's 3D Image (Building) Credit: Hastings District Council

HASTINGS

The Hastings District Council has given the go ahead for a new McDonald’s restaurant in Havelock North.

Council has completed its consideration of the consent application and it meets the criteria to proceed, without requirement for public notification.

Strategic Projects Manager Ian Macdonald says” our decision has been peer reviewed by two independent parties, to ensure the integrity of the decision”.

“When assessing projects of this nature, Council is required to work within the legal framework set down in the District plan and Resource Management Act. The consent process requires a series of legal tests to be met and we cannot simply notify, if there is no sound legal basis to do so, Mr Macdonald said.

“The site is in an industrial zone and we have worked very hard to ensure the best possible outcome for Havelock North”.

Mr Macdonald says “The designers have gone the extra mile to ensure the building is aesthetically pleasing and fits into the surrounding environment”.

As the result of a review by an independent traffic consultant a number of minor changes will be made to the roads around the restaurant, to aid flow into and out of the parking area. This includes a slip lane which will ensure that public safety is paramount.

Trees are to be planted and landscaping undertaken around the perimeter of the site, landscaping strips will be created along three of the boundaries and planting in the carpark area will create a look that is in keeping with the style of Havelock North.

“The development will positively contribute to the streetscape along Karanema Drive and Havelock Road” says Mr Macdonald.

“While the building will be visible on entering Havelock North, it is considered that, compared to an industrial building that could have been built on the site, the proposed building will better compliment the surrounding area and wider landscape”.