It delays for the third time the plans of the developer to remove some of the trees on council-managed land next to the 30-apartment development.
The reserve plan for tree removal and excavation was criticised by Thompson St resident and lawyer Bryce Whiting, at a council meeting in Wanaka yesterday.
He said he and other residents had been denied the chance to have a public say on the document.
Planner Mark Brown, for developer One Mile Apartments Ltd, criticised the conditions attached to the management plan but said it endorsed the plan in general and was keen to see it adopted.
Queenstown Lakes parks manager Gordon Bailey told the council the matter had become so convoluted, maybe it would be best to ignore his recommendation to adopt the plan, and leave it lying on the table until further information was presented to the council chief executive.
"Two submitters have come forward today with opposing views. I think it would be better to leave it alone and let the developer do what he wants, on his own property," Mr Bailey said.
The majority of the council agreed. Crs Cath Gilmour and Gillian Macleod voted against the motion.
One Mile Apartments Ltd wants to build a 30-apartment multilevel complex over several properties in Thompson St.
Mr Whiting believes a tree-felling programme is convenient for the developer but not necessary.
He also criticised the developer and the council for what he believed was an unfair lack of consultation.
Mr Brown said legal advice indicated some of the conditions attached to the tree-felling plan were not enforceable.
A $100,000 bond imposed on the developer was excessive and put unnecessary pressure on the company.
Mr Brown also raised questions about the time frame for completing the tree-felling programme, who was to take ultimate responsibility and other matters.
The developer was willing to discuss how the conditions could be fulfilled without incurring a heavy financial burden, Mr Brown said.
