Deliberations are beginning on a proposed intensive subdivision at Wooing Tree vineyard in Cromwell, following a three-day hearing into an application for a plan change that would allow the development.
The proposal, from Wooing Tree Holdings Ltd, was to change the zoning of 25.4ha of Wooing Tree land from residential resource land (6) to apply a mixture of resource area (zone) provisions that would allow higher-density residential subdivision and development.
The residential resource area rules which apply to the Wooing Tree site at present stipulate minimum lot areas of 4000sq m and many of the submitters are concerned about higher-density housing being built there.
The development proposed for the Wooing Tree site is for a mix of section sizes — minimum lots of 1000sq m generally at the periphery; minimum lots of 400sq m more centrally; and minimum lots of 250sq m in one central area. There would be a maximum of 210 lots, but multi-unit development would be permitted, meaning there would probably be more residential units than residential lots.
A 789-page report, comprising the application, planning and other reports and submissions, was discussed by a hearings panel in Cromwell this week. Central Otago District Council planning consultant David Whitney has recommended the requested plan change 12 should be approved, subject to modifications.
Forty-one submissions were received on the proposal, including 20 opposing it, including one submission of opposition representing 26 people. Another 11 supported it either in whole, in part or with conditions; nine either opposed it in part or opposed and supported it in part; and one neither supported nor opposed it.
A report from Vivian + Espie on behalf of the applicant said the proposal would provide a "carefully planned development that maintains and enhances community wellbeing, and retains areas of green space".
Mr Whitney said the requested plan change 12 would provide for more efficient use of the land than could be achieved at present, and the rezoning would have positive effects as it would "provide for residential subdivision and development to occur at a greater density than currently provided for".
But he has recommended a business resource area requested by the applicant be declined, as he said retail activity in Cromwell was already fragmented. Resource Management Act rules allow up to two years for deciding a request for a plan change.
