A Purakaunui landowner is proposing a coastal reserve around Potato Point could be a compromise which could break the deadlock over development on the headland.
The headland between Purakaunui and Longbeach has been the subject of controversy since developer Tom Richardson applied to subdivide the area. His plans were opposed by the Purakanui Environment Group (Peg) and later turned down by the Environment and High Courts.
Mr Richardson, as Westacott Farms Ltd, has applied for another resource consent, this time to build a home on the point. It has been notified by the Dunedin City Council, as it is located within the north coast coastal landscape preservation area, and is open to public submissions until July 16.
Dunedin businessman John Williamson, who owns an adjoining section of land and crib at Purakaunui, said the coastal section of Potato Point could be made into a reserve with a walkway developed around the headland in the future.
"It's a compromise to preserve the important thing - coastal access."
He envisaged, that along with his section above Purakaunui, the reserve could be protected by a QE2 covenant and managed by a group of locals.
While he opposed the latest consent as it stood, he believed opposition to development on the headland was unrealistic in the long-term.
"Eventually, someone will be successful in getting a permit to put some kind of development there. Somehow, it needs to be preserved."
Peg acting chairman Chas Turner said the group maintained that no residential development should be allowed to proceed on this or any other coastal landscape which had a history of unencumbered vistas.
"We will be objecting to the current application in the same way we, together with the Dunedin City Council, have successfully prevented previous development through the Environment and High Courts."
Mr Williamson's proposal was "admirable" and the opportunity existed to discuss reserve status, he said. Peg would welcome talking with the Dunedin City Council about the proposal.
Mr Richardson said in principle he supported the "good things" Mr Williamson was trying to do for the area and there were mechanisms by which it could be done, but it was difficult in the face of "adamant" opposition.
