Residents meet over proposed reserve rezoning

Waihī Beach residents met last month to talk about the proposed rezoning of the Beach Road Recreation Reserve, which Pinnacle Incorporated, a not-for-profit primary healthcare organisation, has applied to Western Bay of Plenty District Council to lease.
The proposal would see a medical centre and associated parking occupy around 30 per cent of the reserve, located between Beach Rd and Marine Ave, and resident Peter Bullock said the group met with re-elected councillor Allan Sole to discuss their concerns.
“Unfortunately many more questions remain unanswered due to a lack of detail available within the council planning department,” Bullock said.
Cr Sole told The Profile that the meeting, held on October 12, went well.
“The people were extremely respectful. They have sincere concerns,” he said.
Cr Sole said consultation about the proposal would take place over two months; a starting date yet to be confirmed. He encouraged all those that had a view on the issue, “be it for or against”, to make a submission.
“I did encourage those at the meeting to make practical, constructive comments, and suggest other options for the medical centre. I’m sure they will do that as they are very sincere people,” he said. “I understand that the practice owners are keen to tell their story and why they selected that site.”
Primary Health Care Ltd, the parent company for Pinnacle Ventures – the owner of the Primary Health Care Limited group of general practices – earlier said its current facility on Wilson Rd was “no longer fit for purpose”.
Business manager Mark Taylor said the organisation was working closely with Western Bay of Plenty Council and “will be guided by their plans and processes”.
He said the organisation planned to hold a community meeting and encouraged residents to raise concerns or ask questions at that time.