The developer of the 34-lot Dalziel Rd, Halfway Bush, subdivision, Tom Richardson, a director of RPR Properties Ltd, said he had put an appeal of a council decision to decline consent on hold while the issue played out in the second generation district plan (2GP).
This was because zone changes in the council’s proposed 2GP — assuming they did not change following the consultation period — would allow the subdivision to go ahead anyway, Mr Richardson said.
If the 2GP ended up with rules which did not allow it to go ahead he would reconsider the appeal, Mr Richardson said.
However, Dalziel Rd resident Angela Ruske, who was one of 27 people to oppose consent being granted, said she and her neighbours would continue to fight the subdivision through the 2GP process.
"We have got a fairly solid argument as to why it shouldn’t go ahead.
"So I think we are equally likely to get what we want at this point," she said.
There was a "natural boundary" which separated the rest of Dunedin from the Dalziel Rd area and its rural nature should be retained.
"It’s unfair, in our view, that the rural-residential lifestyle block owners would be significantly affected, given it’s such a small amount of subdivision that can happen up here."
She and her neighbours had set up an incorporated society, called Keep Halfway Bush Semi-Rural, and it would look at it taking its fight to the Environment Court if needs be.
Mr Richardson argued there was a shortage of sections in Dunedin and the Dalziel Rd was a perfect area for expansion.
The zone changes relating to the subdivision land were set down to be considered as part of the 2GP process in March next year, but would then be open to appeal.
"So even if it comes our way the nimby group ... might appeal anyway."
However, if the 2GP decision ultimately went in its favour the decision to put the appeal on hold would save it and the council the cost of going to the Environment Court.
