Geraldine station proposal

A Geraldine farm could be about to be transformed into a nine-section subdivision, with calls for submissions on the idea.

The subdivision is proposed for 584 Orari Station Rd, on the edge of the Geraldine township.

It is being developed by the property owners, John and Rosemary Shirtcliff.

A resource consent application said the allotments were for ‘‘rural residential use’’ and would range in area from 0.57 hectares in area to 7.09ha.

The site, on property belonging to Raukapuka Homestead, was within 10 to 15 minutes of the Geraldine town centre.

Council officials recommended the property be rezoned as rural residential in the long-term plan review.

The original homestead dated from 1860, and the application said it had proven difficult to sell while it remained ‘‘parcelled with a relatively large block of land’’.

John Shirtcliff said he was waiting for the process to ‘‘wind its way through’’.

‘‘We thought it was an opportunity for adding to the community,’’ he said.

According to the region’s draft growth management strategy, by 2046, Geraldine will be home to approximately 1151 people, an increase of some 143 people.

LJ Hooker real estate agent Audrey Ramsay said there seemed to be a steady demand for residential sections in the town.

The Shirtcliffs’ application claimed the subdivision would preserve the ‘‘pleasant semi-rural landscape’’ and amenity values of the property, and would provide greater housing choice and ‘‘living style’’.

The water supply would be ‘‘relatively simply’’ connected to the town supply, then could be distributed throughout the subdiv- ision as required.

Electricity, stormwater and sewerage standards were also able to be complied with, the application said, while telecommunication services were considered to be available from the existing Orari Station.

Geraldine Community Board member Janene Adams said while she was unfamiliar with the plans, she was pleased the large section sizes were in keeping with the rural ethos of the town.

In their application the Shirtcliffs said rural residential land price growth would be ameliorated and people wishing to reside in Geraldine and its immediate environs would have a greater housing choice available to them within ‘‘close and convenient proximity’’ of the Geraldine town centre.

The property had not been identified as having outstanding natural features, areas of significant indigenous vegetation, fauna habitat or heritage significance.

‘‘There are no significant identified areas of indigenous flora and fauna within the subject property and, therefore, any effect attributable to the proposed subdivision is assessed as being less than minor. There are no trout inhabiting the stream.’’

The existing vegetation would not be impacted much by the proposed subdivision.

Submissions close on July 13, and forms are available from the Timaru District Council.