The proposed residential subdivision of rural-zoned Bannockburn land has been opposed by its neighbours, as well as the Central Otago District Council’s planning consultant, who says it will create a precedent.
A CODC hearings panel meeting in Alexandra yesterday heard an application by Steve Davis which included creating five residential allotments on rural-zoned land on Lynn Lane.
The winemaker owns land in different titles, part of which is planted with grape vines.
Council planning consultant David Whitney said in his report consent should be refused as it would create a precedent of creating residential allotments on rural-zoned land.
On behalf of the applicant, Landpro planning manager Werner Murray said it would not create a precedent as it was a "unique" piece of land containing historic, residential and vineyard areas.
While the applicant sought to create residential sections on rural land, this was balanced out because he had planted vines on residential land, he said.
This was because some of the rural-zoned land proved unviable for grape growing.
Mr Murray offered mitigating factors to reduce the impact of the subdivisions, such as an agreement to no further development and extending a row of proposed birch trees to "soften the appearance" of new developments.
The applicant received consent for seven residential allotments in October last year for another part of his property.
Mr Whitney’s report said as the proposed allotments were an average of 2900sqm, they would be 3.6% of the 8ha average required in the district plan.
They would "significantly detract" from the vistas enjoyed by nearby residents.
The rezoning of land should be addressed in the upcoming district plan review, he said.
The application received seven opposing submissions, one neutral and two in support.
Neighbour and opposing submitter Graeme Crosbie said the application was a "random chipping away at rural borders".
He and others moved to the area to have a rural outlook and this would affect that, he said.
The panel reserved its decision.
