The Queenstown Lakes District Council's policy and planning general manager, Philip Pannett, said the plan change 19 interim decision, which was released to all parties this week, established the ''general direction'' of the way the Frankton Flats area would develop over time, from its present greenfields, largely rural state, to a ''fully integrated urban area''.
The council's decision on plan change 19 was released in 2009, but appealed to the Environment Court by nine parties.
Mr Pannett said the structure plan set out the arrangement of different urban uses to meet future demand and to ensure a well-designed, integrated urban area where the various activities related well to each other.
Those activities included an open space alongside State Highway 6; town centre-type retail beside the already zoned Frankton Flats A - or the area colloquially known as ''Hendo's Hole''; an industrial area beside Glenda Dr; and a ''residential neighbourhood'' beside the retail town centre area.
Also included was a mixed-use area providing for light industrial activities, showrooms, offices and mid-sized retail.
''This area also provides for residential above ground level.
''This area will sleeve both sides of the new Eastern Access Rd, which will connect State Highway 6 around the airport runway to Remarkables Park,'' Mr Pannett said.
Yard-based industrial activities would be accommodated in the area closest to the airport runway.
Mr Pannett said the Environment Court's interim decision also dealt with significant issues, including the Eastern Access Rd, various forms of retail, maximum heights and view shafts - particularly to protect views of the Remarkables mountain range from State Highway 6, affordable housing, and protecting the future operation of Queenstown Airport.
''The interim decision makes major findings on the future demand for retail in the wider Queenstown area and the court's directions ensure sufficient areas are available for retail developments both in existing areas, such as Queenstown town centre, Remarkables Park and Frankton Flats, as well as areas within the plan change 19 area,'' Mr Pannett said.
