Airport committee concerns addressed

The developers of a new subdivision near Wanaka Airport seem to have been cleared for takeoff as far as the Wanaka Airport Management Committee is concerned.

Corbridge Estates Partnership Ltd, owned by Lloyd Ferguson and Peter Marshall, both of Wanaka, is proposing 35 ''premium'' residential lots on 322ha of land between the airport and the Clutha River.

They propose to create wetlands, two small new lakes, of about 8ha - with islands and jetties - as well as a communal ''hub'' of buildings to include boat sheds, swimming pool and tennis courts. The remaining 311ha of the property would continue as a pastoral farm.

Lakes Environmental has recommended the development proceed subject to conditions.

The hearing of eight submissions, including five in opposition to all or part of the subdivision, began at a resource consent hearing in Wanaka yesterday before independent Queenstown Lakes District Council commissioners Jane Taylor and Christine Kelly.

In its written submission, the airport committee said it was concerned the subdivision would result in future residents becoming ''highly annoyed'' at aircraft noise and also at the prospect of the lakes attracting birds, increasing the risk of bird strike.

The committee submitted resource consent for the subdivision should be declined.

However, in his opening remarks,

Corbridge lawyer Graeme Todd pointed out the airport committee did not have a representative at the hearing and that the committee's concerns ''have been met''.

Evidence from the applicant's planner, Duncan White, was that Corbridge would prevent purchasers of residential lots from affecting the operation of the airport.

He noted the committee had withdrawn its submission.

Mr Todd also addressed an accusation by Upper Clutha Environmental Society president Julian Haworth that the applicants were ''holding a gun at the head of the commissioners'' by suggesting if the subdivision did not get approval, they would convert the property to dairying.

Mr Todd pointed out the land was zoned rural and could be used for farming purposes.

The applicants were ''actively involved in dairying''.

The hearing is due to continue until tomorrow.mark.price@odt.co.nz

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