Residents opposed to a cement plant in the Waiareka Valley believe it would destroy its beauty and ruin the rural lifestyle and views they enjoy, one saying it would destroy her family's dream.
Val Clarke has lived in the valley for more than 30 years and "vigorously opposed" the plant.
"It will be a large industrial development in a predominantly rural area," she told the Environment Court yesterday.
Their property looks over the valley and towards the plant site.
Had they been aware such a large-scale development was planned they would have left the valley when they sold their farm.
She talked about the stress of living with the proposal and its uncertainty.
"While uncertainty hangs over me, I cannot return to normality," she said.
"I live here for some of the best views in North Otago, the clean, fresh air and quiet rural outlook. All these will be lost if the cement plant proceeds," she said.
Beverley Rodwell has lived at Elderslie Estate with her husband Peter for five years.
They host numerous garden tours and visits. Last year visitors topped 1000 people.
She was "quite depressed" about the uncertainty created by the plant and whether they should continue to develop their property for what was to be an investment for their children and grandchildren.
"It has destroyed our dreams, really," she said.
After Holcim announced in 2006 it was resurrecting the development, Mrs Rodwell had to ask people where the site was.
"The plant should not be permitted on the Weston site as there are other more suitable sites in North Otago," she said.
