A Christchurch property developer says it still plans to build new homes in Pegasus despite the Government rejecting its application to fast-track a controversial development on the township’s former golf course.

In a decision released last week, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop declined to refer Wolfbrook Property Group’s plan to redevelop Canterbury's Pegasus Golf Course into housing and a mixed-use commercial and community area for fast-track approval.

The property developer bought the 18-hole course in May after the property went into liquidation. But its planned development for the 77ha area was met with opposition, particularly from the Pegasus Residents’ Group.

The group took their fight to Parliament and delivered a petition signed by 15,000 people, opposing Wolfbrook’s intention to use the fast-track process to push forward with its plans.

An illustration of Wolfbrook’s proposed development on the former Pegasus Golf Course. Image: Supplied

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said last week Bishop's decision not to refer the project was common sense.

Gordon also acknowledged the "extraordinary" efforts of the Pegasus Residents Group.

"They organised, advocated, gathered more than 16,000 signatures and took their case all the way to Parliament. This result belongs first and foremost to them and the community,” Gordon said last week.

But a Wolfbrook spokesperson said in a statement to The Press it was surprised by the decision, given housing demand in Canterbury and the potential scale of the development.

“We are curious as to the Minister’s decision, particularly given the significant housing need in Canterbury and the potential for this project to deliver hundreds of new homes,” Wolfbrook’s statement said.

Wolfbrook's proposed masterplan for a 1000-home development on the former Pegasus Golf Course. The plan is indicative only and subject to change. Image: Supplied

It said the Pegasus development “ticked all of those boxes” when it came to the Fast-track Approvals Act, which allowed the Minister to consider whether projects would increase housing supply, address housing needs or contribute to a well-functioning urban environment.

Wolfbrook also highlighted the fact the decision came only 15 working days after its application was lodged and five days after the Environmental Protection Authority deemed the application complete and within scope.

Wolfbrook told The Press it was now considering its options, but remained committed to gaining approval for housing on the land.

“Wolfbrook has always recognised that a development of this scale needs to be carefully planned.

"Our proposal intended to carefully manage the local Pegasus context while providing the infrastructure, open space and community amenities needed to support a growing population.”

Chains at a section of the Pegasus Golf Course. Photo: Supplied

Wolfbrook said its proposal includes about 20ha of land intended for community use, including open space and amenities for the wider Pegasus community.

The rejection of the fast-track pathway, combined with the golf course not reopening, meant those amenities could face significant delays, it said.

Wolfbrook also challenged claims Waimakariri has enough land available to meet the housing demand for the next 30 years. It pointed to Rolleston as an example of a community which has grown faster than expected.

Wolfbrook also said Canterbury was still in need of more housing and it believed Pegasus West could make a “substantial contribution” to the region.

“If Waimakariri does not continue to consider sensible, well-planned growth, there is a risk the district gets left behind while surrounding areas continue to expand,” Wolfbrook said.

- Allied Media