Wakatipu's next large-scale development is one step closer after a Queenstown Lakes District Council committee yesterday approved the proposed Shotover Country development.
The strategy committee was told requested amendments to the plan for the $300 million development between the Shotover River and Lake Hayes Estate had been made.
The changes to the plan were sought by commissioners Leigh Overton, Mel Gazzard and Cath Gilmour to address concerns raised by submitters. These included a reduction in area of land considered at risk of flooding, another low-density area be rezoned medium density (losing about 20 residential sites) and safeguarding for the provision of education and community facilities.
Neighbour Sheena Haywood told the Otago Daily Times the idea was shortsighted and the mention of a possible new school was merely a "sweetener".
"I'm flabbergasted, to be quite honest. The valley doesn't need it right now. It's going to be an incredible eyesore."
The 120ha site would have room for 750 new homes, as well as scale retail outlets, which Mrs Haywood said was far too big for the area.
"It is four times the size of Lake Hayes Estate and there are other areas that could have been looked at."
The freelance photographer's concerns included the visual aspect of the development, and traffic jams on the Ladies Mile section of State Highway 6.
Council senior policy analyst Jonathan Richards said the committee's recommendation the application be approved was subject to a 30 working day appeal system. Submissions could be lodged and the final decision would be made by the council.
Ladies Mile Partnership spokesman Neil McDonald could not be reached for comment yesterday.
