An Auckland-based "green" lobby, the Environmental Defence Society (EDS), says it will file proceedings in the High Court at Timaru next week challenging resource consents for three "cubicle" dairy farms in the Mackenzie Basin.
"The land use consents were granted on a non-notified basis, without any opportunity for public involvement, despite raising significant public interest issues," said EDS chairman Gary Taylor,
The proceedings relate to three sets of land use consents granted to Williamson Holdings Ltd, Southdown Holdings Ltd and Five Rivers Ltd by Waitaki District Council.
"The hearing will focus on whether there have been errors of law in the decision-making processes, not the merits of factory farming," Mr Taylor said.