Taranaki’s Stratford District Council has approved consent for the development of the Countdown supermarket, scheduled to open in mid 2015.

Appeals that opposed the supermarket have been settled, removing the need for an Environment Court hearing that was scheduled for December.

Adrian Walker, Countdown GM for property, said that the company is very pleased with the plans moving forward, and that on site development is hoped to begin by the end of this year.

He said the supermarket would bring further competition to the Stratford area.

Neil Volzke, Mayor, said that the Countdown supermarket is really positive news for Stratford.

“Countdown’s substantial investment in Stratford is a clear signal that there is genuine commercial opportunity here. I am optimistic that others may feel encouraged by this supermarket development and look seriously at new business opportunities in the Stratford area,” he said.

Stratford population is set to grow over the next 10 years, with the Council now able to proceed with solid planning around the CBD and the future business needs of the town.