Hawea subdivision would boost surveying activity

A developer behind a Hawea Flat subdivision has told local residents amended plans for a new 31-lot development will help shore up his Wanaka surveying company during tough times.

Patterson Pitts managing director Robin Patterson is one of five directors of Wanaka company Camphill Ltd, which called a meeting of Hawea Flat residents on Tuesday night.

More than 40 people attended the meeting to discuss the company's proposed changes for planned residential subdivision at Camphill Estate.

Mr Patterson told the meeting that surveyors had taken a hit during the economic downturn.

"There are not enough sections being sold [around the district]...

"Come September, there will not be enough work and we could be forced into laying off staff."

Patterson Pitts had reduced its staff numbers during the past three years from 22 employees to 14.

If consent is granted, creating and selling lots at the new subdivision would channel surveying work to Patterson Pitts, he said.

Camphill Ltd already has resource consent for nine rural lifestyle blocks on a 22ha site - which lies to the west of and opposite the Hawea Flat primary school grounds and preschool facility.

The company has applied for a 31-lot subdivision to replace that consent, which constitutes stage 3 of its Camphill Estate development.

Mr Patterson said that the change in plans was consistent with rural lifestyle zone planning regulations, except for the lot sizes.

Rural lifestyle zoned lots have a minimum area of 1ha. The majority of lot sizes proposed for the new application are about 0.4ha (4000 sq m) and considered a non-complying activity - subject to the discretion of a commissioners' panel - under the district plan.

Many residents at the meeting questioned whether there was a need for increased residential development in the area.

Public submissions on Camphill Ltd's proposal close on August 6.