SPCA is permanently closing its Ashburton op shop.
Following the district council declining a Certificate of Compliance application, the animal welfare charity would require resource consent to remain at the site, at 418 West St, as it is in a Business C zone.
However, the charity is not applying for consent and is instead closing its doors.
SPCA national property manager Lee Burnham said the non-profit organisation’s resources and funds were limited.
‘‘Additional expenses would divert precious resources away from our mission,’’ Burnham said.
‘‘We remain hopeful that, in the future, we can identify another ideal location within Ashburton. Presently for us, the CBD does not provide the conducive environment necessary for our fundraising efforts, as we often require larger sites with ample parking and easy accessibility for our supporters and donation drop-offs,’’ Burnham said.
‘‘Moreover, we require a suitable space at the rear for processing these donations, all of which undergo a rigorous processing procedure before they can be sold to support our cause,’’ he said.
The shop opened July 19 but was forced to close six days later when the district council advised it could not be at the site due to the zone, which is for limited commercial activities and light industrial activities.
