Plans for the 7.67ha site, located on a stretch of the Wānaka Mt Aspiring Rd known for its multimillion-dollar estates, will see the existing 650sqm home demolished and replaced with a 2008sqm mansion.
The owner, represented by Nature Preservation Trustee Ltd, cleared their most recent legal hurdle after appealing to the Environment Court over the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s decision to decline a resource consent application for the development last year.
In a July 2023 decision released by the Environment Court, resource consent was granted to Nature Preservation Trustee Ltd after successful mediation between the trust, the Queenstown Lakes District Council and other affected parties.
"The parties agreed that the amended proposal will appropriately manage the relevant landscape and visual effects as well as the effects associated with construction," the decision said.
Amendments to the construction plans included the retention of existing vegetation on the south and west boundaries until earthworks and construction had been completed, increased limitations on the arrival and departure times of heavy vehicles and "ongoing communication" between the developer and their neighbours.
Garth Hogan, one of the neighbouring property owners involved in the mediation process, said he had not objected to the developer’s overall plans for the site.
"We were just going to negotiate how we can mitigate the disruption to our lives while they’re building the house. That’s all we were trying to do," he said.
"I’ve got my piece of paradise and it would be crass of me to object to somebody else having their piece of paradise."
However, he was "very disappointed" with what he saw as inconsistency in the way the council meted out judgement on different developments, Mr Hogan said.
"Further down the road is Peter Thiel’s proposed house. Now, the only people who can see Peter Thiel’s proposed house from where he wanted it built are the very few people that walk right along the Millennium track, and somebody that might come into Damper Bay in a boat.
"And yet, the council is going to the end of the world to stop them going ahead, and from the drawings we have seen ... it has a much much lower profile than the one next door.
"Where’s the consistency?" Mr Hogan said.
Mr Thiel’s proposed 330m-long lodge was also declined resource consent by the council last year.
It is expected to be brought before the Environment Court early next year.
Nature Preservation Trustee Ltd’s successful application marks the second time the trust has applied for resource consent.
The council had originally granted the trust non-notified consent in 2019, but this was overturned by the High Court after a neighbour expressed concerns about the ongoing impact of construction.
No start date for the project has been given, but the Environment Court ruling states that earthworks "must not commence until spring, when leaves have formed" on nearby vegetation.
regan.harris@alliedpress.co.nz
