Denial of Charter Hall move urged

A Hastings retailer has told his council to "be strong" as the future of the city's central business district "is in your hands" following requests by Australian firm Charter Hall to reduce shop sizes at the Megacentre retail site.

Mike Barham, who owned retail shops in Hastings, was one of 279 submitters who, along with the Hastings District Council, asked the Environment Court to turn down Charter Hall's application to reduce shop sizes from 1000sq m to around 500sq m.

"Don't give in to this Australian company. They are only interested in short-term profits," Mr Barham said in his submission to the council.

"We have to live with this decision forever. I have no doubt you will kill the existing retail area of Hastings if you allow this change. Be strong, the future of central Hastings is in your hands."

Mr Barham's comments were similar to other submitters, while a majority, 255, relied on the lead submission from Hastings City Business Association, which claimed the negative impact on the economy could be around $12 million.

Other submitters,such as Ross and Francis Taylor, turned the heat up on the council. They said as retail property owners they had reluctantly agreed to the large format retail centre at Nelson Park when it was first mooted about five years ago.

"We feel deceived of council action of even considering this application."

Charter Hall's application was classified as a discretionary activity which meant it had to be considered against the rules of the district plan.

Submitter Alastair Holder said the request for smaller shops was not part of the original plan accepted by people of Hastings District Council "... and should not be rolled over because tenants cannot be found. Many other places are available within the existing rules for commercial development at the scale between 500sq m to 700sq m."

Others thought the council should resist the attempt to "move the goalposts" for a developer that may have "miscalculated demand".

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule said Charter Hall would be sent a copy of the council's submission and others to consider before the Environment Court hearing.