Plans for a small wind farm on one of the Clutha district's highest points will be reactivated by the project's new Central Otago-based owners.
Pioneer Generation recently bought the Mt Stuart project from original developers NZ Windfarms Ltd for an undisclosed sum and will consult submitters to the original proposal before it continues with the consent process.
NZ Windfarms had put the project on hold to consider its response to the submissions. All but one of the 15 submitters strongly opposed the nine-turbine development.
The company's chief executive, Steve Cross, told the Otago Daily Times yesterday the New Zealand Stock Exchange was told last Friday of the sale.
"The bottom line was that the project didn't fit into where our business is at the moment . . . we are pleased to give it to a party that will keep it going."
Pioneer chief executive Peter Dowling said in a statement the company had bought the Mt Stuart assets and interests and planned to reactivate the consent process.
The site is on the southwestern side of the Manuka Gorge, about 15km inland from Milton.
The nine turbines, each with a maximum height of 75m, would generate between 5.5MW and 6.5MW.
Pioneer will initially review the development and consult submitters to the original application.
