Concerns about the use of the marginal strip as a corridor, lack of privacy, and the trail crossing private land are among the main issues raised by opponents to the Central Otago portion of the Clutha Gold trail, between Lake Roxburgh and Beaumont.
Of submitters on a resource consent application for the cycleway venture, 70% have objected to the trail.
Of the 27 submissions, 19 opposed consent, five were in support and three were neutral.
The application to the Central Otago District Council for structures associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of a walking and cycling trail will be heard by an independent commissioner, Denis Nugent, of Wanaka, on February 16 and 17.
Clutha Gold was the first in Central Otago to receive government funding under the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, with a grant of $2.5 million for the 50km Lake Roxburgh to Beaumont section.
The full length of the trail extends to Lawrence and funding is being sought for the 33km Beaumont to Lawrence section, which is within the Clutha district.
In its application, the Clutha Gold Trail Trust said the trail would link Lake Roxburgh, Roxburgh, Millers Flat, Beaumont and Lawrence using sections of the old Roxburgh to Lawrence railway line, between Lawrence and the Minzion River.
From the Minzion, it would mostly follow the banks and terraces of the Clutha River, with the occasional use of the old line, or in some places, road reserve.
The trail route was on the true left (east side) of the river mostly along the marginal strip, but crossed private land in three places.
Owner of one of those properties, the J.A. and T.M. Pannett Family Trust, is among those opposing the resource consent.
Several of the other objectors have properties which border the proposed trail route.
The district council's planning consultant, David Whitney, has recommended consent be granted, subject to 25 conditions.
He said the adverse effect on the environment would not be significant and that any adverse effects of the venture would be outweighed by the positive effects.
Most of the opponents said there was not enough information available about the trail and insufficient consultation with neighbouring property owners.
Many objected to the use of the marginal strip and some were concerned about the impact of the trail on their property values and intrusion into their privacy.
The Pannett family trust sought the realignment of the trail so it did not cross the family's Teviot Valley property.
The trail potentially would have an adverse effect on farming operations, the family's submission said.
Otago Fish and Game supported the trail application.
Senior environmental officer John Hollows said the trail would give anglers access to large areas of water that were otherwise difficult to access.
Other supporters believed the trail would attract visitors and boost the economy.
