Subdivision 'caucusing'

Discussion between expert witnesses over Shotover Country's proposed $300 million-plus Queenstown subdivision is continuing, despite the plan change hearing being adjourned in March.

At the time, commissioners expected it would be a matter of weeks before they received the information they needed to make a decision on the development of up to 750 residential dwellings proposed by the Ladies Mile Partnership.

The information they require relates to issues over which expert witnesses for the applicants and the submitters disagree.

The commissioners have sent them away for "caucusing" to see if they can reach a consensus or, if not, to discuss what they can agree on.

When approached by the Otago Daily Times, commissioner Cath Gilmour said most issues identified through the hearing had been resolved, but there was "one particular outstanding issue that we believe we need further information on".

"If they can't agree on it, they have to come back to us," said Ms Gilmour, who was on the hearing panel, along with commissioners Leigh Overton and Mel Gazzard.

Since the Queenstown Lakes District Council accepted the original application in April 2010, 133 submissions have been made on the proposed plan change - 112 in support, 20 against and one neutral.

The subdivision would feature a mixture of low and medium density development around a small commercial core and a primary school, necessitating the creation of a special zone in the existing rural general zone.


Add a Comment

 

Advertisement