Delta’s debt still troubled

A CONTROVERSIAL Dunedinlinked subdivision continues to be bogged down by legal disputes.

The Christchurch subdivision was sold to Wanaka developers Infinity Group last August in a deal which Dunedin City Councilowned infrastructure company Delta hoped would allow it to retrieve $13.4 million in bad debt.

Following the sale, Delta received an initial debt repayment of $900,000, with the expectation it would receive the $12.5 million as Infinity sold off sections.

The latest in a long line of disputes centres around the dedication of an access road to the subdivision, which the Christchurch City Council is set to consider at a meeting on July 27 after delaying a decision at its last meeting.

Subdivision neighbour Colin Stoke said the vote on whether to dedicate the road was the latest attempt by the council and Infinity to deny him and neighbours of their interest, as caveators, in the land.

Their claim related to an agreement they made with the original developer to provide roading and services infrastructure to their land, which is part of the Yaldhurst Village subdivision, Mr Stokes said.

The residents’ interest in the land meant the developers could not follow the usual process of vesting the access road to the council unless the terms of the agreement were met, he said.

He promised to continue fighting the subdivision until the agreement was met.

A Christchurch City Council spokeswoman said the dedication of roads was a ‘‘proper process’’ and normal application for the developer.

The council disputed claims it was attempting to deny Mr Stokes and other neighbours an interest in the development.

Delta and Infinity did not respond to requests for comment.