A 21-lot subdivision on the corner of McNulty Rd and State Highway 6 in Cromwell will satisfy some of the high demand for residential property in the town, a Central Otago District Council hearings panel was told in Alexandra yesterday.
McNulty Corner Estate Ltd is applying for consent to subdivide 3.8ha of land located within two Residential Resource Areas (6 and 12) of Cromwell, into 21 residential lots ranging in size from 726sq m to 4409sq m.
The property is bounded by Alexander Lane, McNulty Rd, and Kawarau Gorge Rd near Cromwell's industrial area and, if approved, the subdivision would comprise a new road off McNulty Rd to provide access to lots.
Applicant planner Catherine Beeby told the hearings panel the subdivision would not look overcrowded because larger lots were located around the outside and smaller lots within the centre of the development.
"The subdivision has been designed so a high level of amenity is maintained for adjoining neighbours.
"Allotments fronting McNulty Rd are greater in size then the minimum allowance and there will not be an overcrowded appearance to the subdivision," she said.
Four of the six adjoining property owners support the proposal.
Miss Beeby said Cromwell was experiencing rapid growth and the subdivision was required to meet increasing demand for residential property.
The council's minimum allotment size for Residential Resource Area 12 is 500sq m, and 4000sq m for Residential Resource Area 6.
In his report, CODC planner David Whitney stated some proposed subdivision lots located in the council's area 6 were smaller than the minimum lot allocation and therefore the proposal was in breach of rules for that area.
Mr Whitney stated adverse effects of the proposal on the environment would be minor, however, and he recommended the council grant consent with 31 conditions.
Miss Beeby said the applicant was happy to meet all conditions recommended by Mr Whitney, which included mitigation measures such as bunding, accordance with council approved building design, products and colours, construction of footpaths, and provision of street lighting as well as a reticulated water supply.
The council received six formal submissions on the proposal, four of which were opposed, one in support, and one neutral.
Opposing Cromwell residents said the application would result in overcrowding and some businesses in the area were concerned about potential strain on infrastructure.
Transit New Zealand supported the proposal as it would result in a new road to be constructed and it would not generate a significant number of vehicle movements.
The New Zealand Fire Service asked for the subdivision to be granted consent if provided with a reticulated water supply for potential fire fighting.
The council hearings panel reserved its decision about whether to grant consent yesterday.
