The proponent behind a major workers’ accommodation complex in Queenstown plans to expand it further.
The government approved fast-track consenting for Australian-based No 1 Hansen Road Ltd in November last year for its plans to build a 554-unit complex in Frankton to address desperate rental shortages in the Queenstown Lakes district.
The hearings panel is expected to make its decision before May 7, but the Queenstown Airport Company (QAC) has raised concerns about the fact the applicant wants to extend its operations, planning an additional 32 residential units comprising a total of 119 bedrooms and associated common areas, all located within Queenstown Airport’s outer control boundary.
The QAC opposed the original application.
Its original submission said although it supported the need for extra workers’ accommodation in the town, it felt the proposal was inappropriate for the intensive residential activity proposed, given the strategic importance of the Queenstown Airport to the Queenstown Lakes district, and adverse effects on future occupants.
In correspondence to the panel, QAC said by seeking to vary existing consents, the proposal would "construct two levels of worker accommodation atop the approved carpark building, instead of the approved office space".
"The proposal is for a further increase in the residential density above what has been sought through the EPA fast-track application process.
"The effects of this additional development need to be considered in addition to what has been sought."
Planning documents for the extra workers’ accommodation have been lodged with the QLDC.
It said the proposal would enable "residential and visitor accommodation activities, but limit their establishment to above ground floor level to ensure that the integrity of activities occurring at street level is maintained, and that the core commercial function of the local shopping centres is not eroded".
"The shortage of affordable worker accommodation is a significant issue in the district, and the proposal will, therefore, provide benefits to the economic prosperity of the wider community."
Meanwhile, the QLDC, in a memorandum, has expressed concern about the provisions for parking in the original proposal.
"Council understands that the intersection of Hansen Rd and State Highway 6 is being relocated further to the north as part of these works.
"This relocation will potentially result in less formed road length for Hansen Rd in which to provide on-street parking and a need to consider carparking in proximity to the Hansen Rd/State Highway6 intersection."
The QLDC asked the applicant’s transport assessment be peer-reviewed to "ensure that the assumptions were well-founded and lead logically to the conclusions made".
