Housing area plans not disrupted

Lane Hocking
Lane Hocking. Photo: ODT files
The Covid-19 pandemic has not affected plans for a controversial special housing area (SHA) at Lake Hawea.

Developer Lane Hocking, of Universal Developments Ltd, said yesterday the 480-lot subdivision had been granted resource consent by the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), and he hoped to start work on site before Christmas.

Asked about the effect of the pandemic, Mr Hocking said the project was ‘‘large and long term’’.

‘‘We’ve always known we’d be subject to cyclical demand.

‘‘Notwithstanding that, we’re looking forward to creating a supply of affordable housing for those who need it and are therefore continuing with our original timeline.’’

Prices for the house and land packages would be ‘‘$650,000 and below,’’ Mr Hocking said.

‘‘It may be that now, more than ever, this product is needed.

‘‘Time will tell.’’

The Lake Hawea SHA was approved by the Government and the QLDC under the 2013 Housing Accords and Special Housing Areas Act designed to streamline new housing developments.

It is on a 34ha site in Cemetery Rd and drew considerable opposition during the planning process from Lake Hawea residents concerned at its location outside the urban growth boundary.

mark.price@odt.co.nz

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