Proposed properties near Millbrook Resort that have the potential to adversely affect views were discussed during the first day of a two-day hearing in the Environment Court at Queenstown yesterday before Judge Jane Borthwick and commissioners Charles Manning and Alex Sutherland, all of Christchurch.
Spruce Grove Trust was declined resource consent to subdivide the 9.2ha plot, known as Mill Farm Heights, which would include six properties located between the western side of Millbrook Resort and Malaghans Rd, beside Meadow Park.
The trust, owned by the Spary family of Arrowtown, applied for the consent to subdivide the land into 10 lots with a building platform on six of the lots as low-density residential development.
The application was declined by the Queenstown Lakes District Council and had been opposed by a group of affected parties, mainly neighbouring residents at the Millbrook Resort, who had stated the development would adversely affect views.
Jayne Macdonald, of MacTodd, acting for the Queenstown Lakes District Council, said the changes made to the application had been "quite significant" and appropriate conditions on any consent would be sufficient.
Ms McDonald said the residents of Millbrook and the company, who had an "expectation there should be a reserve around it [the resort]" and were in opposition to the application, were being "self-serving".
Jo Appleyard, of Chapman Tripp in Christchurch, counsel for Millbrook and affected residents, said the fundamental issue was the proposed dwellings were elevated to be situated on a hillock to maximise views, which would create adverse effects on rural amenities.
The hearing continues today.
