Mackenzie Mayor Graham Smith said he had been expecting an appeal over plan change 13 laid by The Wolds Station Ltd to start in the High Court at Christchurch this week, but The Wolds Station Ltd had gained an extension.
In April, the Environment Court approved the plan change, which gives the Mackenzie District Council more control over development in the basin.
The council had been concerned about fragmented growth, Mr Smith said.
A table in the report from evidence presented on behalf of the Department of Conservation detailed indigenous vegetation remaining on naturally rare ecosystems in the Mackenzie Basin and the extent of their loss.It showed that between 2000 and 2016 the Omarama ecological district lost 47% of its alluvial outwash gravels.
The remaining appellant was The Wolds Station after Federated Farmers withdrew its appeal in June.
"The Wolds still have that appeal in. They’ve notified their solicitors. They’ve notified for an extension of time. The courts make a date, but they don’t have one yet. It could drag on to Christmas," Mr Smith said.
"I respect their right to appeal, but this delay is putting added pressure on the Mackenzie District Council."
The council was trying to develop its district plan at present so a final decision on plan change 13 would have been welcomed, he said.
He understood The Wolds Station was seeking information about a scenic grasslands viewing area.
When contacted by the Otago Daily Times Bronwen Murray of The Wolds Station declined to comment.
In April, Mr Smith said plan change 13 had cost the council more than $1million and battles over it had gone on for a decade.
