The Kakanui camping ground is a low-key operation offering a Kiwi-style holiday, according to its owner, but those opposing it do not agree.
Yesterday, commissioner Bob Nixon, appointed by the Waitaki District Council, was considering an application by camp operator Allan Jones, through his company Equipment and Support Ltd, for land-use resource consent to establish and operate visitor accommodation on a 1.22ha site on the south side of the Kakanui River next to Waianakarua Rd.
Mr Nixon expected to issue a decision within 15 working days.
Mr Jones said those who opposed the consent did not reflect the views of the community. However, one opponent, Graham Addy, who until recently lived opposite, urged Mr Nixon to consider what it would be like to have a neighbour declare their property a camping ground.
A consultant planner for Mr Jones, Don Anderson, said the 30-site camping ground was an appropriate use of the site. It was small scale and mostly used by families seeking a "low-cost and laid-back holiday".
"It is getting harder and harder . . . to find appropriate camping facilities close to the coast," Mr Anderson said.
Submitters opposing the application raised issues of road safety, increased traffic, noise, visual impact and the effect on neighbours and the area.
Counsel for neighbour Bob and Linda Hildeman, Pru Steven, said her clients faced significant adverse effects from the proposal.
They opposed access to the camping ground from River Rd, did not want all the camp sites used until Waianakarua Rd was upgraded and wanted a 20m-wide acoustic buffer zone between it and their property.
The operation had been unlawful since 2002 under the Resource Management Act and camping regulations, she said, asking whether the application had sufficient detail.
A planning report recommended consent be granted with conditions that would meet concerns of submitters.
One condition restricted the camping ground to five sites, instead of the 20 applied for, with access off Waianakarua Rd then up to 30 sites when access was provided from River Rd.
The application followed an Environment Court hearing in October when Judge Gordon Whiting issued an interim decision ordering the camp to cease operating except for five camping sites at any one time (it has 30 tent and caravan sites) and apply to the council for resource consent.
The proposed development would be staged, with stage 1 limited to 20 campervan, caravan or tent sites, vehicle movements to and from Waianakarua Rd being monitored. If there were more than 80 movements a day, the site would be closed to any additional campers.
Stage 2 would enable up to 30 sites, but only when access to River Rd was available after upgrading of intersections at Harbour Tce and Waianakarua Rd to the council's satisfaction.
david.bruce @odt.co.nz
