That is the view of lawyer Warwick Goldsmith, of Queenstown, acting for those who requested Plan Change 45 Special Zone.
Mr Goldsmith had the floor for most of the first day of the hearing yesterday, delivering a 54-page submission in support, while rebutting matters raised in the notice of appeal.
He submitted that a recommendation by the appellant's planner, David Sergeant, to cancel the plan change was ''based entirely on an alleged lack of demand'' for the sections in the next 10 years.
However, Mr Goldsmith considered ''numerous cases'' heard by the Environment Court previously had held it was not a requirement of the law for a plan change proponent to demonstrate ''need or demand'', unless they led to Resource Management Act-related concerns.
''Questions of demand or need are not matters the plan change proponent in this case must demonstrate or that this court must consider. These matters should be left to the market.''
Noting the shortage of rental accommodation and ''affordable housing'' in Wanaka, Mr Goldsmith said the only ''practical way'' the Resource Management Act and the council's district plan could address the ''market reality'' was by doing its best to enable a range of residential products.
''That is what PC45 seeks to achieve.''
Mr Goldsmith said Northlake would be ''a great place to live and raise a family'' and submitted that it was ''perfectly located'' to cater for anticipated future growth in Wanaka.
He suggested the lack of lake views from the sections was ''likely to enhance affordability''.
Mr Goldsmith took issue with appellants who considered Northlake would contribute to urban sprawl, describing it as an ''infill'' between the Peninsula Bay and Kirimoko subdivisions and a ''natural extension'' to existing growth patterns.
''It is very difficult to see how Northlake could constitute urban sprawl.''
He noted the commissioners who approved the plan change last year did not consider it ''appropriate to ration the supply of land''.
In discussion with Judge Jackson, Mr Goldsmith noted the Shotover Country subdivision near Queenstown was considered unnecessary four years ago, but had subsequently developed rapidly.
He began his submission by saying if the Northlake plan change was approved, subdivision work would begin within three months.
The background:
• A group of 27 Wanaka groups and individuals are appealing the Queenstown Lakes District Council's decision in July 2014 to adopt Plan Change 45 Special Zone.
• The plan change came about as the result of a request by Michaela Ward Meehan, of Queenstown, who is proposing a 1500-lot residential subdivision in the special zone.
• Her request to establish the special zone was heard by deputy mayor Lyal Cocks and Central Otago planning consultant David Whitney who recommended it be approved, subject to conditions.
• The special zone includes 220ha of rural residential and rural general land on the northern side of Wanaka towards the Clutha River.
• The appeal is being heard by Judge Jon Jackson and commissioners Anne Leijnen and John Mills.
