A resource consent for a service station to be built on some of New Zealand’s most fertile soils, beside the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, has been lodged with the Hastings District Council.
Hamachek Holdings’ plans for the site on the corner of State Highway 2 and Evenden Rd, Twyford, include a truck stop, service station, retail service area, café and fruit shop facilities.
A public notice of the project said about 29,570m3 of earthworks would be required to build the centre.
It would have four-lanes of pumps at a truck stop, eight lanes of pumps on a service station forecourt, underground petrol and diesel tanks, and EV charging stations.
It would also require a two-way combined entry and exit access from Evenden Rd, road widening and changes to the SH2 and Evenden Rd roundabout.
The plans also include 62 carparks, 12 truck parks, loading spaces and pedestrian footpaths.
The land is classed as Plains Production land, a council zoning that recognises it as a place with nationally significant growing soils.
Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said everyone could now have their say before a decision was made.
“That openness is a strength of the system as it ensures people can be heard and decisions are made with a clear understanding of our community’s values,” Schollum said.
“This proposal is classed as a non-complying activity, which means it must meet a very high bar to be approved.
“The Heretaunga Plains are among the most fertile soils in the country, and our District Plan is designed to protect that while allowing fair consideration of any application under the law.”
The rear of the site was currently occupied by a residential dwelling, while the front was used for horticultural purposes.
Hamachek said in resource consent documents it had consulted with multiple organisations about its plans, including adjacent landowners Delegat’s Winery, which raised concerns about proximity, night-time activity, light spill, and visual impact on winery operations.
The documents also show community group Save the Plains acknowledged the value of a truck stop somewhere on the Expressway, but opposed the use of Plains Production Zone land at Hamachek’s preferred location.
Submissions to Hastings District Council on the resource consent application close at 5pm on December 3.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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