The new patio would be within the Brighton speedway’s present "recreation zone" and next to its track, clubrooms and accessory buildings, Dunedin City Council consent documents say.
Proposed development activity included both an addition to an existing building and a water tank located inside the boundaries of a dune system area.
Beachlands Speedway also received consent for associated signage on the eastern side of the patio, including commercial sponsors and signs advertising speedway events, and a 25,000 litre stormwater tank.
"Based on the advice of Stantec New Zealand Ltd, the proposed structures would not increase the risk of coastal erosion and risk from natural hazard will be no more than low," the documents said.
The patio would adjoin the existing clubrooms and was considered an addition.
The construction had already started with a concrete slab laid down and wooden posts erected.
The council also said the proposal was non-complying in accordance with district plan but was considered as a true exception because of the speedway activity which had been located on the site for several decades.
District plan rule states new buildings and structures, and additions and alterations must not be located inside the boundaries of a dune system area, except for buildings or structures used for: surf life saving; conservation activity or public access that is provided for in a conservation management strategy, conservation management plan or reserve management plan; and wildlife conservation.
"Patio structure was not enclosed and therefore might result in noise from patrons being essentially outside, however the speedway facility was surrounded by the Island Park reserve and thus sufficiently separated from residential activities," the council said.
It would be about 215sq m with a maximum height of about 4.38m above ground level. The patio structure was to be constructed of dark grey trapezoid roofing, clearlite roofing and wooden poles, considered to be recessive colours and materials.
The consent certificate also included a condition that the proposed water tank must be constructed using recessive colours and materials.
The council’s parks and recreation team would be required to approve the proposed development prior to any further works.
"The effects of the bulk, location and design of the structure and signage will result in less than minor effects on the amenity of the site and surrounding environment and on natural character of the coast.
"The addition would not visually dominate the site and was complementary to the use of the speedway," the documents said.
The council documents also said granting of consent would promote the sustainable management of Dunedin’s natural and physical resources.
The site was owned by the council and leased to Beachlands Speedway, they said.
