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Wolfbrook Property Group has today confirmed it will seek residential zoning for the Pegasus Golf Course through the fast-track process.
It informed the Waimakariri District Council it intends to apply to rezone Pegasus Golf Course which has a "special zone" in the country's' first master-planned town.
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said it was disappointing news for the thousands of residents and supporters who wanted to see the ‘‘important community asset protected".
More than 15,000 people have already signed a petition opposing housing development on the site.
Mr Gordon says he co-signed a letter with community representatives to the Minister responsible for fast-track approvals today, urging that any application to convert this land into housing be declined.
‘‘Council's view is clear: developments that sit outside established growth areas, identified in our recently consulted on and adopted District Plan, and which have previously been considered and rejected through district planning or other Resource Management Act processes, should not be eligible for the fast-track pathway.
‘‘However, any decision on an application will ultimately rest with the ministers,’’ he says.
At the same time, council is continuing to work with the Pegasus Residents Group Inc, local businesses and community members to explore a community-led purchase of the golf course.
‘‘If a viable proposal can be assembled, we intend to present it to Wolfbrook as an alternative to development,‘‘ Mr Gordon says.
‘‘The community has spoken loudly and clearly. We will continue advocating for the protection of this unique open space and support efforts to keep it in community use for future generations.’’