13 objections to Hills subdivision

A total of 13 submissions have been made in opposition to two applications for the proposed 17-lot subdivision at the home of the Michael Hill New Zealand Golf Open, including a personal submission by the community services general manager of the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Businessman Michael Hill's company The Hills Ltd applied for subdivision and land-use consents to build 16 semi-subterranean dwellings within the boundaries of his exclusive golf course.

Thirty-two submissions on the subdivision were made by the closing date on Wednesday: 21 in support, two in support with conditions, and seven in opposition.

The Wakatipu Trails Trust was neutral and the New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS) was neutral on condition there was an adequate water supply for firefighting.

Thirty-one submissions were made regarding the land-use application - 20 in support, and one in support but seeking clarifications on traffic within the site on roading not connected to the houses, and noise restrictions on three sites near farmland used for grazing.

Arrowtown resident and QLDC community services general manager Paul Wilson overlooks the proposed subdivision. He submitted he objected to the proposed landscaping plans that included Douglas fir, "which is a prohibited species in the district plan rural areas . . . There are many alternatives available that have higher amenity and [are] less problematic."

Mr Wilson submitted the night-time effect of the development had "the potential to compromise the rural scene and dark sky currently enjoyed". He called for consent conditions that prevented the planting of any wilding species, required the replacement of existing Douglas firs at The Hills and prevented the installation of lighting with an upturned spill-light ratio of zero or above.

QLDC communications manager Meaghan Miller said council staff members were not precluded from making personal submissions but they would not be involved in any consideration of the application.

Arrow Irrigation Company supported the subdivision application on the condition The Hills Ltd piped the water races at its own cost and to AIC's standard.

Six submissions opposed the land-use application, one stated no position, the trails trust was neutral and NZFS was neutral on the same condition as its other submission.

Millbrook Resort property development manager Ben O'Malley submitted in support and said the proposed development was a "well-conceived, low-density development that is well-suited to the land . . . The design has significantly mitigated any effects."

Fish and Game New Zealand opposed the project because the subdivision proposal did not adequately address the issues of waterway protection and mitigation measures.

Environmental officer John Hollows submitted Queenstown Lakes District Council should require a full sediment-management plan before work commenced.

The Hills Ltd wanted to provide occasional short-term visitor accommodation for fee-paying guests. The house and land packages would be sold under strict covenants and construction would be staged through five to 10 years.

The 40ha lot 17 would be used for access ways, farmland and an "ecological enhancement area".

A select few Arrowtown neighbours were invited to view plans and the proposed house sites last Sunday.

The applications were on hold this week while Lakes Environmental waited for further information on site-specific earthworks. A hearing was tentatively scheduled for early February in Queenstown.