A proposal to establish an 11-dwelling subdivision at a seaside spot near Milton long favoured by "cribbies" has been lodged with the Clutha District Council.
The resource consent application lodged by Moyvane Sea View Ltd states its vision for the Bull Creek subdivision is "a low-impact residential/holiday home community that protects areas of natural open space and recreational value to the Bull Creek community, while providing attractive and practical building sites for future owners."
Moyvane Sea View is owned by Cathryn and Peter O'Connor, of Kingston Crossing, Southland, and Fairfield Trustees Ltd.
Bull Creek is a small settlement about 15km east of Milton on the South Otago coastline. It is home to only nine permanent residents, including the family which farms the area.
The proposed subdivision is next to the settlement and farm.
The owners of about 42 cribs hold 35-year lease agreements with landowner Gwen Lane. Mrs Lane and her late husband, Powell Lane, bought the 148ha sheep farm - including the 4ha on which the cribs stand - in 1956.
The proposed subdivision covers about 34.5ha on the eastern side of Bull Creek, between Russell Rd and the sea.
Moyvane Sea View proposes a 12-lot subdivision, and has applied for land-use consent to allow the establishment of houses on 11 of the lots, which would range in size from 0.7ha to 5.9ha. The remaining lot of 0.7ha is for the creation of a road.
The company said public access to nearby coastal plains would be retained by the creation of walkways.
The application also stated that the previous owners had sought resource consent for a six-lot subdivision in 2006, but withdrew the application before it went to a resource consent hearing, citing personal circumstances.
Moyvane Sea View said the earlier resource consent application provided useful information for the design of the new subdivision.
The company also proposes nine initiatives after consultation with the Moanariri Crib Owners' Association (Bull Creek crib owners) and the Department of Conservation.
They include removing stock from "ecologically sensitive" areas, fencing and legal protection of the coastal area and native bush, controlling weeds and pest species within the site and prohibiting cats from the development area.
It also outlines design controls on residential buildings in relation to height, colour and layout to "ensure a low-impact design that blends with the landscape" and strategic placement of buildings to protect the scenery.
Submissions on the proposal close on September 7.
