Ayrburn Precinct Ltd was granted consent by Queenstown’s council in May to host seven temporary events a year — each for up to 3000 people — on the grassed events space.
However, it immediately lodged an appeal of one condition — that only four of the events can be "noise events", using amplified sound.
The company then asked the Environment Court to allow the consent to come into effect in the meantime, while the appeal’s being determined.
In his decision, Judge John Hassan says he’s satisfied not allowing the application would "prejudice Ayrburn’s commercial interests", because event promoters typically needed nine to 12 months’ lead time, and Ayrburn wouldn’t be able to secure bookings for The Dell with sufficient notice.
Although four individuals or groups of neighbours have joined the appeal proceeding as interested parties, Hassan notes there’s been no opposition to the application for the consent to commence in the meantime.
Ayrburn’s assured the court it’ll hold no more than four noise events a year while the appeal’s being determined, he says.
Meanwhile, Ayrburn’s been granted consent by the council to build and operate an events centre, The Haybarn, in the precinct.
In its application, the company says it expects the 887sqm facility to be used for weddings, funerals, conferences and other functions for up to 180 people.
Chris Meehan, CEO of development company Winton, told Mountain Scene earlier this year construction of The Haybarn was expected to start late this year and take about 18 months to complete.
