One of the fastest-growing townships in Clutha is about to
get bigger with a 28-lot rural-residential housing
subdivision approved for the north end of Waihola.
The Clutha District Council's hearings committee approved
Brendon and Diane Lawlor of Lakeside Ventures Ltd's
application in a written decision issued two days before
Christmas.
The 148ha site will boast sections ranging from 4470sq m to
blocks smaller than 2ha.
The proposal attracted 11 submissions, of which six opposed
the application, two supported it and three did not have a
view either way.
The hearings committee granted the application, subject to
several conditions and its decision can be appealed to the
Environment Court.
In its decision, the committee said it considered the
landscape to be one of the key issues in deciding whether to
grant consent.
"We accept the applicant has made a significant effort to
manage and minimise the visual effects of the development,"
the decision said.
This included careful placement of roads and building
platforms, avoiding skyline ridges, provision of three stages
of landscaping and controls on building heights, colours and
materials.
But it acknowledged, despite these efforts, it was still
impossible to fully avoid some effects on the landscape.
"Overall we consider that, while there will be adverse visual
effects, they are not fatal to the application. Provided that
other adverse effects can be adequately controlled and the
benefits can be guaranteed through consent conditions, then
the landscape effects can be acceptable."
Perhaps the most contentious issue was the disposal of waste
and stormwater from the site.
The committee agreed with the concerns of several submitters
who were worried about the risk of possible contamination of
nearby Lake Waihola.
But it was provided with "comprehensive expert evidence" that
any adverse effects could be avoided.
The committee was also satisfied with issues surrounding
traffic, public access, telecommunication and power services.
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