More than half the submitters to the proposed Melview (McArthur Ridge) Ltd plan change to the Central Otago District Council (CODC) District Plan, support a plan change accommodating a $500 million development.
Thirty-nine individuals and groups have lodged submissions with 21 in support, five opposing and the remainder neither supporting nor opposing, or supporting in part.
The development would incorporate a five-star hotel-lodge and international golf course, as well as various types of accommodation, to be built over a period of 10 to 20 years.
Many supporting submitters say the concept would raise the total development to a higher level supported by the quality hotel operation and golf course concept, and it would enhance tourism in the district.
Concerns about the supply of water were raised, with one submitter who lives nearby noting that springs had dried up and ground water levels had dropped in the six years since he had owned his property.
He said the applicant had bores from the previous development at McArthur Ridge and there would be no constraints on it taking more water for future developments.
Others supported on condition there was proved to be adequate water availability for surrounding neighbours.
Roading was also a concern, with one submitter calling for a 70kmh speed limit for Letts Gully Rd, which would take much of the traffic flow into Alexandra.
Transit New Zealand believed the development had the potential to adversely affect the State Highway network and there could be increased traffic movements expected through the intersections of Springvale Road and SH8, Springvale Road and SH85 and Letts Gully Rd and SH85.
Mr T. O'Neill opposed the parts of the application relating to restaurants and bars and the large number of residential units (up to 1500).
He was concerned about the increase in traffic movements, noise diminishing rural lifestyle and putting a town the size of Cromwell in a rural area. Radio New Zealand's concerns were about reverse sensitivity effects on its land where transmitters are located.
‘‘It is likely that telephone and possibly television reception at any nearby dwellings would be affected by the close proximity to the RNZ transmitter,'' the submissions said. Burglar alarms and intercom systems might also be affected. People's fears and anxieties about radio transmitters could also cause problems.
Big Sky Developments director Paul Martin while supporting the concept, wanted to get back some of the $3 million he had spent upgrading Golden Rd to a two-lane sealed road. He called on the council to seek a roading contribution.
He said Golden Rd would be well used by the people in the Melview development and the roading contribution should go to Big Sky Developments.
In a late submission, the applicant asked for the height of the golf clubhouse be set at 15m as opposed to the original 12m. Melview argued the topography was such that a 15 m height was more suitable.
Melview also wants to change the present height limit of 12m for the hotel to either 18m or no more than 10m above the ridge line east of the hotel area.
The public has until April 18 to make submissions. Once that has been completed, a report will be prepared and a hearing date set.
