The irony of the company behind a proposed solar farm in the Maniototo putting a hold on its resource consent application was not lost on those who had wanted more time to make their submissions.
Public submissions on a resource-consent application from Helios Energy to build a 660ha solar farm between Ranfurly and Naseby closed in December.
At a meeting in Ranfurly in early December, people were concerned they did not have sufficient time to lodge submissions.
Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley said, at the meeting, the closing date was fixed when Helios lodged its application.
However, since the 171 submissions were received by the Central Otago District Council, with 75% opposing the consent, Helios had paused its application.
Spokeswoman Sarah Brooks said Helios had requested its application be put on hold to allow time to consider and respond to the range of feedback on the submissions.
Ranfurly resident Rose Voice, whose property borders the proposed solar farm site, was unimpressed that Helios could pause the process.
"Helios has asked for more time to go through the submissions. Pity we couldn’t have asked for more time [to make our submissions] before Christmas."
Mrs Voice organised the Ranfurly meeting in December which attracted about 150 people and was addressed by former Delta employee and whistleblower Richard Healey.
Plans to have 32 shipping container-sized lithium-ion battery stores suggested the solar farm was more about storing electricity than generating it, Mr Healey said.
The company could store solar energy through the day and sell it in the evening, recharge the batteries overnight at minimal cost, then sell that energy back to the national grid at morning peak time.
Ms Brooks said instead of applying for fast-track approval, Helios chose to commit to the council process to provide local residents the opportunity to submit concerns and requests for more information.
