The development could mean a total of 681 new homes
The government has given the go-ahead to a “controversial” special housing area near Lake Hāwea.
The approved development, alongside Wanaka-based Bright Sky special housing area, could translate into an additional 681 homes for the district, Radio New Zealand reported.
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult told the publication he was pleased more affordable housing would be available.
“While the council listened carefully to the concerns expressed by some in the community about the SHA, we also recognised that we need to cater for growth in the district and that Hāwea is increasingly being seen as an affordable satellite for those working in Wanaka,” Boult said.
The mayor noted 83 new homes would be earmarked for an assisted ownership programme or long term secure rentals.
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However, Hāwea Community Association chairperson April Mackenzie reportedly said residents and ratepayers would continue to fight against the Hāwea development.
“The feeling in the community has been clear from the get go and every public meeting we've had, the community has been unanimous about the fact that they wanted it to be done through the district planning processes inside the urban growth boundaries, and the use of this legislation wasn't necessary,” Mackenzie told the publication. “We're still going to be looking at our options to see how we can continue to oppose this development.”
Radio NZ added the developers need to apply to the council for resource consents by September.
