The Central Otago District Council had some good news for developers yesterday.
Mayor Malcolm Macpherson said developers' contributions to the council could now be deferred until sections were sold, as requested by most major property developers within the district.
He was speaking at the conclusion of the public submission process to the council's long-term council community plan for 2009-19.
"It is a major change against the recommendation of our staff, which sends a strong message to developers that we recognise the difficult economic situation at the moment and want to support them as best we can," he said.
Dr Macpherson said the council had made major decisions on five key issues highlighted by public concern.
A $35,000 request for funding from the Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery was also approved, although a proposed $60,000 grant towards the Otago Regional Council's Clean Heat Clean Air programme was halved to $30,000 for the 2009-10 year.
Dr Macpherson said the change was made subject to a review of the grant in light of the Government's budget announcement.
"We're not sure whether a national programme will eclipse the regional one so there is an opportunity for us to review the grant if necessary," he said.
Despite some opposition from Cromwell retailers on a proposal to build an upgraded information centre away from the existing shopping complex, the council resolved to support the proposed site for a new centre next to the Shell petrol station.
Residents had the last say on the 10-year plan this week at which councillors considered the public's concerns and suggestions..
Yesterday, councillors dealt with changes and responses to each proposal within the 500-page document in preparation for a final draft to be written before it is approved by the council and Audit New Zealand.
The council is now set to formally adopt the plan in June, for it to become operative in July.
Dr Macpherson said the council's community planning process would also remain unchanged for now despite some criticism of it.
