Pines cleared for housing

Work began late last month felling trees in the area on the outskirts of Alexandra which will be developed into a 189-section subdivision by Ngāi Tahu. The news was met with mixed reactions on local social media. PHOTO: RUBY SHAW

Last month work began clearing a pine forest near the Alexandra golf course to make way for a housing development.

Landowner Ngāi Tahu plans to roll out the project in seven stages, eventually offering 189 sections on the 14.4ha site.

The land had been planted in pine trees and was a popular recreation spot for local people.

The land for the proposed Ngāi Tahu housing development on the outskirts of Alexandra is rapidly being cleared of pine trees. It is expected the clearing will be completed by the end of the year. PHOTO: JULIE ASHER

Ngāi Tahu Property general manager Blair Forgie said the clearance work should be completed by the end of the year and earthworks for the first stages would begin after that. Consent for the earthworks was lodged with the Otago Regional Council in March, along with a subdivision consent to the Central Otago District Council.

Ngāi Tahu Property had requested a temporary pause on the application to the district council while they finalised aspects necessary to progress the development, Mr Forgie said.

Consent to clear the trees was independent of the subdivision application, he said.

The News - Central Otago and Wanaka