"That Bunnings were able to gain consent for this development is much more of an indictment on Auckland Council planning process and very much at odds with the vision espoused by Mayor Len Brown for Auckland to become the world's most liveable city. Arch Hill and the wider Grey Lynn community expect and indeed, welcome appropriate intensification along the Grey Lynn ridge as Great North Rd develops as a major arterial route and public transport corridor," the statement said.
Batten said it had not gone unnoticed that the permissive nature of the RMA in its current form meant that communities which object to proposed developments, "regardless of their inappropriateness", were perceived as pariahs and despite the raising and spending of many tens of thousands of dollars, they struggled to have a meaningful voice in the process.
"While two years of sustained opposition to the development has not come without cost, the battle has engendered fierce determination to protect our way of life, profile for Arch Hill and wider Grey Lynn, and unearthed a diverse range of talents, skills and energy within our community.
Batten thanked residents, community groups, the Waitemata Local Board, councillor Mike Lee, local MP Nikki Kaye and Jacinda Ardern.
The court's decision on the case was released last week.
