Western Bay of Plenty District Council has approved the installation of a public toilet at Ōmokoroa’s Precious Family Reserve, following months of debate and a close vote.

The council’s Projects and Monitoring Committee voted 8-3 in favour of proceeding with the facility at the consented location, originally planned as part of the 2018 Precious Family Reserve Concept Plan.

Councillor Don Thwaites, committee chair, said the toilet was always intended to support growing usage of the popular reserve.

“We understand some residents are concerned about the revised location, but ultimately, we had to weigh up the benefit to the wider public, the existing consent, and the costs already incurred,” Thwaites said.

“This is about providing practical facilities for people enjoying our reserves now, while continuing to plan for what Ōmokoroa will need in the future,” he said.

The project faced a delay earlier this year after residents raised objections with the Ōmokoroa Community Board. Their concerns prompted a public meeting in February, which gave adjoining residents time to prepare a petition.

Among the issues raised was the toilet’s proximity to a nearby memorial bench. In response, councillors have committed to working with the affected family to explore relocating the seat.

Council originally shifted the toilet’s location because of underground wastewater pipes and storage tanks, securing resource consent for a nearby alternative site.

Acting group manager infrastructure services Peter Watson said council aimed to balance individual concerns with the broader need for public amenities.

“We’re committed to delivering high-quality public infrastructure that supports wellbeing, access and amenity for everyone,” Watson said.

“The next step will be to focus on delivering the facility in alignment with the reserve’s concept plan and consent conditions, which includes some screen planting, while respecting the surrounding environment,” he said.

Councillors also considered two alternative options – relocating the toilet within the reserve at an extra cost of $50,000, or repurposing it for another location in the district – but opted to continue with the current site.

Voting in favour were James Denyer, John Scrimgeour, Allan Sole, Don Thwaites, Murray Grainger, Rodney Joyce, Grant Dally and Andy Wichers.

Voting against were Margaret Murray-Benge, Laura Rae and Anne Henry.

Councillor Tracey Coxhead was absent because of leave.