Three new freedom camping sites are proposed for Dunedin, as the two already provided by the Dunedin City Council have reached capacity.
Sites at Rotary Park, Highcliff, a reserve at Puddle Alley near Invermay on the Taieri and outside the Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club were proposed in a report to a council meeting on Tuesday.
In the Otago Daily Times on Tuesday, board chairman Scott Weatherall said it made sense to consider Brighton, as the toilet block there had showers added for campers before the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Mr Weatherall said he was not concerned about an influx of freedom campers into the seaside suburb, and thought the visual impact on nearby residents would be minimal if the site was managed well.
However, at a board meeting on Thursday the board revealed a change of heart.
At the meeting, Mr Weatherall said since Tuesday the community had "questioned" his support.
"I can see there is some real possibilities at the site but I can absolutely hear what the community’s concerns are to why it shouldn’t be there."
A concern was opening a new freedom camping site when sites were available at Ocean View and Brighton Domain.
Another concern was where the residents who used the spaces would go, he said.
Mr Weatherall said the Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club did not support the proposal.
Board member Keith McFadyen said he was opposed to the proposed site because it was "packed" with people in summer.
"In my view, it’s absolutely a no-go zone."
Mr McFadyen would prefer to see the council upgrade facilities at Brighton Domain, where self-contained camping was allowed.
"That’s a better option ... the Brighton Domain isn’t up to scratch as a freedom camping area."
Mr Weatherall said in the past, the community had been supportive of freedom camping but recent feedback revealed the community "don’t want this site".
Board member Christina McBratney said the community had supported freedom campers but the number of campers had reached "saturation point".
"It’s almost like campers are just taking the mick and trying to get around as cheaply as possible ... it’s like we are being taken advantage of."
Mr Weatherall moved the board continue to support freedom camping in the community but not support the proposed new site.
He encouraged residents to take part in the community consultation and make a submission.
Mr McFadyen seconded the motion and all the members voted in favour.
