A planner is recommending the boundaries of a consented Dunedin subdivision be revised to include a smaller lot.
RPR Property co-directors Tom and Loretta Richardson said a Dunedin couple wanted to build a house on a 2020sqm lot on the 16ha block of land they own in Dalziel Rd in Halfway Bush.
Consequently, the property developers have applied to the Dunedin City Council for a boundary to be adjusted on a consent to allow it to happen.
The move follows a council hearings committee decision in April to decline an application from RPR Property to build a 34-lot subdivision on the land.
The appeal was delayed until April 1 next year, while the council works on its second generation district plan, which could change zoning for the area.
In 2012, the Richardsons already had a consent granted for a nine-lot development on the land.
However, the lots were all bigger than 2020sqm, so the developers applied for the boundaries to be adjusted on the nine-lot development to include the size sought by the couple.
On Wednesday, a hearing committee of Crs Andrew Noone and Andrew Whiley and commissioner Colin Weatherall heard from the developers and neighbours opposing the change.
Dalziel Rd residents Alice Wouters and Chris Rietveld, opposed the application.
In a submission, Mrs Wouters told the committee of her concerns about more houses being built on the land and her ‘‘rural outlook disappearing’’, changing the character and feel of the area.
Neighbour Angela Ruske said the boundary adjustment was a "creative way" of the developers avoiding having to apply for a resource consent for a new subdivision.
"All of this to appease one family, when so many more people will be negatively affected if this is accepted."
At the end of the meeting, consultant planner Shane Roberts said he was "comfortable" with the building plans the developers had promoted.
"I’m happy that consent can be granted," Mr Roberts said.
However, some conditions would have to be met, such as clarity between parties on plant species allowed on the site and an agreement on "no-build areas".
Other conditions needing consideration were the colour of the roof and the cladding of the house.
Cr Noone, the committee chairman, adjourned the meeting yesterday.
The committee would visit the site next week and a decision was expected early next month, he said.
