Funerals, child care share site

REBECCA STEVENSON
A funeral complex and childcare centre catering for up to 98 children is planned for a 5678 square metre site in Taradale.
Beth Shan Funeral Services and childcare provider Kidicorp Limited have applied for joint consent to demolish an old building and renovate an existing church on properties in Gloucester Street.
Beth Shan owns the former St Mark's Methodist Church and wants to convert the church into a chapel for funeral services with on-site reception facilities and carparking. Alterations to the chapel will allow it to hold up to 200 mourners.
Kidicorp, one of New Zealand's largest childcare providers, plans two childcare facilities in Taradale. Kidicorp wants to demolish a house for carparking on the Gloucester Street site and build a single-level building.
The Edukids Early Childcare Centre will accommodate up to 68 pre-school children. The School's Out Programme, an after-school centre, will cater to up to 30 students aged between five and 13-years-old, with 17 staff needed for both facilities.
The land in Gloucester Street is designated residential use only.
Beth Shan owner Bruce Findlayson said he didn't want to comment before resource consent was obtained, but said the new funeral complex would run alongside Beth Shan's existing business in George's Drive.
"It will be a big project, and it's looking pretty positive. We need to talk to the neighbours and make sure they are comfortable."
Napier City Council senior consents officer Paul O'Shaughnessy said the development was pretty intensive. Neighbours and affected parties were notified on July 19, with submissions received until August 17.
Traffic, parking and noise were among issues the development raised.