A 15-lot subdivision has been approved for rural-general land on the outskirts of Wanaka which was previously protected from further development.
Independent commissioners Andrew Henderson and Leigh Overton have approved Grandview Developments Ltd's application to subdivide 4.6ha of land at Heritage Park, off Orchard Rd, to create 15 residential lots and three access lots.
The site was subject to a 2002 consent notice preventing further subdivision, but the notice has been cancelled by the commissioners, enabling developers Barry Condon, Charlene Strong and Phil Smith to proceed with their plans.
Public notification of the application last year drew six submissions, five from neighbouring Heritage Village landowners who either opposed the development or sought restrictions.
The neighbours particularly objected to the proposed subdivision access, via the road into Heritage Park, where 21 residential units, eight residential lots, Florence's Food Store and Cafe and The Venue event facility are located.
Safety concerns were raised about the increased traffic to the site and alternative access off Cardrona Valley Rd was suggested.
The neighbours were also upset at the prospect of removing the restriction on further subdivision and said they had bought their properties with the understanding the restriction would be upheld.
The commissioners said because the majority of dwellings in Heritage Park and Heritage Village were not occupied fulltime and an internal speed limit was imposed there, the safety of the road users would be maintained.
They agreed with the view of the applicant and Queenstown Lakes District Council planner Aaron Burt that the potential effects of extra traffic likely to be generated by the new lots would be minor.
They also considered the potential adverse visual effects of the subdivision on the surrounding pastoral landscape would be limited to the site and immediate neighbouring properties and noted most surrounding property owners had provided written approval for the proposal.
Conditions of the consent include a requirement for a traffic safety audit for the proposed development, including the appropriate location of the letter boxes at the existing access way and creation of a lay-by.
Grandview Developments must also set up a management company to manage the subdivision's internal private road and infrastructure.
