Plans for a self-managed "retirement/lifestyle village" within an Alexandra residential subdivision have been abandoned.
The plans formed part of the Molyneux Estate project, but the developers asked the Central Otago District Council this week for resource consent to change the "village" into a conventional subdivision with 40 sections, because there was no market for the village concept.
The council's hearings panel considered the matter and has reserved its decision.
The subdivision, off State Highway 8, northwest of Alexandra, was developed about six years ago and contained 100 sections, making it one of the biggest residential subdivisions in the area in recent times.
The initial resource consent included provision for a "lifestyle village" containing 38 allotments, within that area.
Peter Dymock appeared at this week's hearing for Molyneux Lifestyle Village Ltd. The roading and infrastructure for the village was completed several years ago, he said.
The gated community development planned was not a "retirement village" as such.
"Despite strenuous marketing efforts, it is apparent that there is no market in Alexandra for the concept of a lifestyle village, self-managed by the residents. The shared cost of the roading and community facilities [which would be part of each owner's title] appears to be an insurmountable barrier for the Alexandra retirement market," Mr Dymock said.
Unsuccessful attempts had also been made to interest one of the large retirement village operators in the development. A perimeter fence would remain part of the plans, he said.
Developer Russell Ibbotson said older residents were very safety-conscious and fences on three sides, giving a greater feeling of security to homeowners, was one of the marketing attractions.
There was one entry and exit point - "It's semi-gated rather than a gated community."
Council planning consultant David Whitney recommended consent be granted, subject to 70 conditions.
