Central Otago district plan changes will impose more controls on rural development instead of freeing it up, Teviot Valley resident John Rowley, says.
Mr Rowley presented his submission yesterday on the 23 district plan changes which are aimed at addressing rural development issues.
He said the changes would stifle rather than promote economic development.
"This scheme plan change 5A-5W has no support. The objectors are so numerous, the supporters should feel embarrassed," he said.
"In an election, this would be a landslide for the objectors."
The Central Otago District Council's hearings panel began seven weeks of hearings on Monday to consider more than 280 submissions.
The plan changes cover where rural homes can be built, what colours are suitable and what materials are preferred.
Mr Rowley said the Teviot Valley should be excluded from all of the changes.
"One size does not fit all. We have a different suite of issues," he said.
"The philosophy with these changes is more about control than it is about freedom."
The council was pushing for people to build in the valleys rather than on ridgelines, but building in valleys would waste some of the productive land.
Farming used to be a permitted activity in the district plan and, together with horticulture, was a driver of wealth in Central Otago.
"Now, it appears the only industry which is permitted is the resource consultancy and regulation management sector."
