Subdivision hearing draws to a close

A SIXLOT subdivision proposed for land between Lake Hayes and Arrowtown could not cause adverse effects because no physical works would result from it, the applicant’s lawyer says.

Waterfall Park Developments counsel Warwick Goldsmith said the subdivision would allow boundaries to ‘‘more logically relate’’ to alreadyconsented uses of the land — an access road and a proposed hotel.

But the application’s main purpose was to allow a ‘‘destination restaurant’’ to be developed in listed historic buildings at Ayrburn Farm within the site.

Although the restaurant was a component of the hotel consent, the applicant wanted it to be developed sooner and independently of the hotel’s construction, Mr Goldsmith said.

The application by the firm, which is linked to Queenstown developer Chris Meehan, was heard by independent commissioners Jan Caunter and David Mead in the resort yesterday.

The firm already has a consent for a proposed 380room hotel and spa in a complex extending northwards from the subject site.

Mr Goldsmith said that consent would expire in three and ahalf years, and the impact of Covid19 on tourism meant the prospects of it going ahead within that time had greatly reduced.

In his report for the Queenstown Lakes District Council, planner Jacob Neaves recommended the subdivision be approved on the grounds it would not cause any adverse effects that could not be mitigated by conditions.

Mr Neaves said the application would have some positive effects: the creation of ‘‘esplanade strips’’ beside parts of Mill Creek, and a maintenance plan to prevent degradation of the heritage farm buildings.

The six submissions on the application, from five neighbours and the Friends of Lake Hayes Society, are all opposed.

They express concerns about a 200lot residential subdivision proposed for part of the site and potential adverse effects on the water quality of Mill Creek.

Several submitters say the site’s pastoral character would be degraded by further development, and want the application deferred until the site’s zoning under the proposed district plan is fully operative and all appeals are resolved.

The subdivison referred to by submitters is a $250 million, 162unit retirement village proposed in May by another company linked to Mr Meehan.

The proposal hinges on an Environment Court appeal that seeks to rezone part of the site.

The hearing was expected to conclude yesterday evening with the commissioners reserving their decision.