The Environment Court will have to return to Oamaru next month to finish hearing appeals against a proposal by Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd to build a cement plant in the Waiareka Valley, near Weston.
The court on March 9 started hearing appeals by Holcim, the Waiareka Valley Preservation Society and Andrew Renalson, with interested parties Waitaha Taiwhenua O Waitaki Trust Board and Te Runanganui O Waitaha Me Mata Waka Inc and respondents the Otago Regional and Waitaki District Councils.
The court has spent 20 days over six weeks in Oamaru in hearings or touring the affected area.
The hearing is scheduled to resume in the Opera House's Empire Room at 10am on May 13 to complete evidence from the society's witnesses, economist Rodney Jones and planner David Whitney.
Legal counsel for all parties are expected to deliver closing submissions on May 14 and 15.
After that, the court is likely to reserve its decision.
