A council planner has recommended consent for dense housing units be approved, despite concerns about it setting a "dangerous precedent" for Clyde’s heritage values.
Hamlin Enterprises is seeking resource consent from the Central Otago District Council to construct six two- storey townhouses on a site partially within the Clyde Heritage Precinct.
Neighbours objected to the limited-notification status of the application in submissions to the hearing panel of councillors Neil Gillespie, Ian Cooney And Martin McPherson, which was sitting in Alexandra yesterday.
In a section 42A report, council planning consultant Tom McIntyre accepted the applicant’s Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), prepared by Origin Consultants, and said the development would be a "compatible addition" to the precinct.
"Relying on the findings of Origin, any effects on heritage values will be acceptable," the report says.
In his submission, Clyde resident Graham Perkins, whose property is next to the proposed development, said he could not understand why Mr McIntyre had largely accepted the findings of the HIA, which had not been peer-reviewed .
"I am staggered that council did not have [the HIA] peer reviewed.
"The s42A report writer has largely just accepted what the applicant’s consultant has said, without applying the appropriate planning lens to its conclusions," he said.
Mr Perkins wanted the current application declined and a "robust analysis" of the planning documents done.
In a written submission, Clyde resident Peter Henderson said the development would be a "dangerous precedent" for the town and Heritage Precinct.
"If this proposal is approved . . . you will not be able to shut the gate.
"The uniqueness of Clyde that attracts tens of thousands of tourists a year, and their money, will be destroyed forever."
The hearing panel reserved its decision.
