The developer proposing to build six two-storey houses at Howards Dr in Lake Hayes Estate might have one less opposing submitter after a "private agreement" with Queenstown Airport Corporation.
Lake Hayes Estate Ltd developer Mike Coburn's resource consent application for the construction of a six-unit residential development including associated landscaping, access formation and earthworks, went to a hearing before commissioners Jane Taylor and Sally Middleton in Queenstown last week.
The application has overwhelming opposition to overcome.
Lakes Environmental planner Wendy Rolls recommended the application be declined because it would breach the skyline and block other residents' views.
She said 67 written submissions were received, all in opposition to the application.
Two submitters appeared at the hearing - Queenstown Airport Corporation and the Lake Hayes Residents Association.
Ms Rolls said the corporation decided not to speak at the hearing because it had come to a "private agreement" with the developer.
The commissioners adjourned the hearing until the agreement was finalised.
Corporation chief executive Steve Sanderson told the Queenstown Times it would withdraw its opposition if the developer signed a covenant on the proposed houses.
"The estate is under the flight path of Queenstown Airport and is subject to a significant number of noise events.
What we would like is a no complaints covenant and also a requirement that the houses meet insulation standards for noise," he said.
Lake Hayes Estate Ltd had a similar covenant for the other houses at Lake Hayes Estate so the corporation wanted a similar covenant placed on any extension, Mr Sanderson said.
He said the corporation and the developer had agreed to the covenant in principle, but were still working through a draft covenant.
He expected it to be finalised this week.
Lake Hayes Residents Association chairman Kevin Burdon said he represented 55 members at the hearing in opposition to the "visually unattractive" proposal.
He said some residents had bought houses near the land now earmarked for proposed houses because it initially was to remain as green space.
Many could not oppose the plans because they were under a covenant which prevented them from submitting against the developer, Mr Burdon said.
More houses at Lake Hayes would exacerbate water restrictions during summer, he said.
