Independent commissioner Colin Weatherall will chair the hearing, which will consider a consent application for an 18-lot subdivision in Coombe Hay Lane, in the coastal township about 17km south of Milton.
Toko Developments Ltd lodged the application in October 2022, and eight submissions were received following notification of Toko Mouth residents, iwi, Doc and the Otago Regional Council.
Four of those were in unconditional support, two in conditional support and two opposing.
The proposed subdivision would adjoin an existing eight-lot subdivision formed in 2017, and sit on a raised plateau offering ocean views from some locations.
Lots would range from 1600sq m to 1.1ha.
The developers also propose redeveloping Coombe Hay Lane as part of the project, and adding a new road linking to Toko Mouth Domain Rd.
In his report to the hearing, Clutha District Council consultant planner Craig Barr recommended consent be declined, due to stormwater provision and roading concerns.
"The primary reason for recommending the application be declined is in relation to the proposed stormwater treatment system. The activity seeks to utilise a method whereby stormwater retention tanks will be installed on each of the [lots] and the release of stormwater moderated to achieve desired runoff into the stormwater network. The council’s engineering officer does not support this technique and prefers an alternative system is deployed."
Among submissions to the process, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou requested the consent be declined, unless conditions concerning stormwater provision were imposed.
"Mana whenua are concerned at the potential for adverse effects on the coastal environment which can arise from the installation of 18 individual on-site wastewater systems. It is [our] preference ... that the developer installs a reticulated wastewater and stormwater network.
"It is not acceptable to defer the details of wastewater management to the building consent stage," the rūnanga’s submission said.
Mr Barr’s report said, were the developer to address stormwater and roading concerns, he would change his recommendation.
"Other relevant matters relate to the adverse effects of the activity on natural character, landscape visual amenity and rural character, wastewater, contaminated land, productive soils and the imposition of financial contributions.
"I recommend that subject to appropriate conditions of consent, the adverse effects on the environment of the activity will be minor and consent be granted. If the stormwater design aspect can be overcome and/or agreement on the design reached between the applicant and the [council], I would otherwise recommend the activity be granted consent."
The public hearing takes place at the Clutha District Council’s Balclutha offices at 9.30am today.
