Residents opposed to a cement plant in the Waiareka Valley
believe it would destroy its beauty and ruin the rural
lifestyle and views they enjoy, one saying it would destroy
her family's dream.
Val Clarke has lived in the valley for more than 30 years and
"vigorously opposed" the plant.
"It will be a large industrial development in a predominantly
rural area," she told the Environment Court yesterday.
Their property looks over the valley and towards the plant
site.
Had they been aware such a large-scale development was
planned they would have left the valley when they sold their
farm.
She talked about the stress of living with the proposal and
its uncertainty.
"While uncertainty hangs over me, I cannot return to
normality," she said.
"I live here for some of the best views in North Otago, the
clean, fresh air and quiet rural outlook. All these will be
lost if the cement plant proceeds," she said.
Beverley Rodwell has lived at Elderslie Estate with her
husband Peter for five years.
They host numerous garden tours and visits. Last year
visitors topped 1000 people.
She was "quite depressed" about the uncertainty created by
the plant and whether they should continue to develop their
property for what was to be an investment for their children
and grandchildren.
"It has destroyed our dreams, really," she said.
After Holcim announced in 2006 it was resurrecting the
development, Mrs Rodwell had to ask people where the site
was.
"The plant should not be permitted on the Weston site as
there are other more suitable sites in North Otago," she
said.
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