A proposed subdivision in a rural-zoned area near Mosgiel would create an undesirable precedent and should not be granted resource consent, a Dunedin City Council planner says.
In a report, which will be included among evidence to be considered by the council's hearings committee meeting next month, council planner Lianne Darby said the proposed Riccarton Rd East subdivision involved three "significantly undersized'' rural-zoned lots.
In outlining why she recommended consent be declined, she said the density of the development was "much higher'' than was allowed for in the district plan.
Granting consent would set a precedent and owners of three "highly comparable'' properties in the immediate vicinity and of numerous others along Main South Rd could seek to develop their land in the same way.
"The consequence of this could be a major change to the visual appearance and character [of] the rural land in this location.''
If the area was to become more intensely developed, it should be subject to a plan change proposal in a "co-ordinated manner''.
The council received four submissions in response to the consent application being notified, two of which were opposed, one was for and one was neutral.
Among the two submitting against was the Otago Regional Council, which raised a number of concerns, including that it would represent an unplanned intensification of rural land and that the council's database had identified land instability issues on the site.
