The developers of the proposed 1600-section Northlake subdivision on the northern outskirts of Wanaka are expected to clear a major planning hurdle tomorrow.
At its monthly meeting, the Queenstown Lakes District Council, is set to make plan change 45 ''fully operative'', creating the 220ha Northlake special zone.
A report to the meeting by district plan manager Matthew Paetz recommends the council authorise the change to the district plan, and direct it be publicly notified.
That would clear the way for developers Northlake Investments Ltd to push ahead with detailed subdivision plans for residential development between the northern edge of Wanaka and the Clutha River.
In his report, Mr Paetz noted the plan change process began more than two years ago.
Independent commissioners David Whitney and Cr Lyall Cocks heard 132 submissions in February last year and then ''largely confirmed'' the proposed plan change.
The council then ratified the commissioners' decision, but a group called Appealing Wanaka Incorporated appealed to the Environment Court.
In recent decisions, the court ''largely confirmed'' the council's decision, ''with a few amendments'', Mr Paetz said.
The final decision of the court was issued 10 days ago. Mr Paetz said the plan change could now be made operative.
The Queenstown couple behind the development, Michaela Ward Meehan and husband Chris Meehan, have not taken up several Otago Daily Times invitations to discuss their plans.
However, Mr Paetz said the developers were ''understandably keen'' to finalise the plan change and progress the development.
''The development has the potential to contribute to housing supply and address affordability in Wanaka,'' Mr Paetz said.
A favourable Northlake decision tomorrowwill give Wanaka a considerable area of land zoned for residential development.
However, there is expected to be a shortage of cheaper, titled sections in the short term while Northlake and rival developers go through the planning process.
