A reservoir on the Sugarloaf hill near Cromwell would mar an iconic landscape, says a neighbour who plans to appeal a decision granting consent for the structure.
Bob Perriam was one of four people who opposed the Central Otago District Council's application to itself to establish a water supply reservoir on the lower slopes of the Sugarloaf's northern end. Independent commissioner David Collins, of Banks Peninsula, held a planning hearing at the end of May and has granted consent, subject to 25 conditions.
When contacted by the Otago Daily Times, Mr Perriam said he was very disappointed with the decision.
"That's just crazy. First, they can't satisfy its existence, because it's not needed, and secondly, it will mar what is an iconic landscape."
Dennis and Anne Lyon, who also objected to the reservoir, said they were unhappy with the commissioner's finding. They were still considering whether they would appeal the decision.
The council sought permission to site the circular concrete tank, 22.5m in diameter and 5.5m high, on the Sugarloaf, which is designated as a significant landscape feature under the proposed changes to the district plan.
It will be located west of the intersection of Clark Rd and State Highway 6, opposite the Pisa Moorings residential subdivision and painted olive brown.
Mr Collins said three main issues were considered - the benefits of the reservoir, the effect on the landscape and the effect on the archeological values of the site, which is next to historic gold mining tailings.
The council's utilities services manager Peter Greenwood said the reservoir was to cater for the growth of the area. Lowburn and Pisa were vulnerable to a pipe failure so it was sensible to have some storage of water in the area.
Mr Collins said it was desirable to have much more storage for security of supply for a system that was to service about 250 households.
It was clear the Sugarloaf was important as a geological feature and for its landscape value.
The northern end of the hill had been developed as a vineyard, so it had a completely different appearance from the main part of the terrace, he said.
"My impression is that the reservoir, set into one side of the gully, would be difficult to see from the other side of the lake."
On balance, the adverse effects on the landscape were outweighed by the benefits of the reservoir, he decided.
Consent conditions relate to the earthworks and access track, colour, size and site of the tank and also instruct the council that an archaeologist has to supervise and approve several elements of the construction.
