Moves to reclassify Central Otago landscapes thought worth protecting has drawn a reaction from wind farm developers, power companies and Federated Farmers.
As part of its district plan changes, the Central Otago District Council has identified landscapes of "high natural character values and high landscape quality" that are listed as extremely or highly sensitive to the effects of rural development, as well as others defined as having "significant" sensitivity.
The 23 proposed changes to the plan all relate to rural properties and have already taken effect. They attracted 218 submissions which are now open for further comment.
More than 200 submitters have recorded their opinions on the change to the classification of landscapes, and most have sought the references to be deleted or more information given about how they will affect development or normal rural activities.
In its submission, Federated Farmers said landowners had a personal stake in the landscapes and should have the chance to discuss any changes to the classification of their property.
Contact Energy and Pioneer Generation objected to the reference to transmission lines and wind farms being listed in the plan among activities which could have an "adverse impact on landscape values".
Meridian Energy suggested classifications of landscapes should be based on the identification of the landscape quality rather than its vulnerability or sensitivity to development.
Meridian's Project Hayes was given resource consent for a wind farm on the Lammermoor Ranges but the matter was appealed to the Environment Court. A decision from the court is still pending.
The Lammermoor Range has been classified, under the new proposals, as a landscape of "district significance" but not of such quality to be labelled as an "outstanding" landscape.
New Zealand Windfarms Ltd has asked for the landscape plan change to be withdrawn and said wind farms should be included in the plan as a "source of character and variety to the predominantly dry landscape".
TrustPower also opposed the plan changes and said there was a lack of clarity surrounding the landscape definitions.
The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand asked for all 23 changes to be cancelled. The proposals introduced "contradictory rules and ambiguous objectives", and inappropriately directed development to valley floors, the institute's submission said.
The Lowburn Community Action Group supported the new landscape classifications and asked for further areas to be defined as "extreme or high" sensitivity.
