Foodstuffs built the supermarket in 2005 but since then Progressive (their competition) who own Countdown and Woolworths and who are owned by Woolworths Australia, has fought the opening at every turn.
The site has stood vacant for almost five years.
They were able to use the RMA to argue that the supermarket did not meet the North Shore Councils district plan using traffic and pollution as a reason.
Obviously it had nothing to do with the environment or traffic it was simply about trying to stop any competition to Progressives supermarket up the road.
And these were the guy’s who were going to take over The Warehouse.
Finally after Progressive has exhausted every option and delaying technique the High Court has rejected their case.
Something needs to be done with the RMA to stop this sort of anti-competitive behaviour, it isn’t good for consumers.
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