The developer of the proposed 88ha extension of Kingston township says he will retain the character of the historic village.
Kingston Village Ltd partner Ian Pillans said he wanted to build on the identity of Kingston as a separate township rather than as a satellite of Queenstown.
"This will take some time to realise. However, this is a 25-year-project," he said.
He said the company was exploring community facilities such as a new golf clubhouse, community centre, a school, a medical clinic and a bus service between Kingston and Queenstown.
Kingston Village Ltd planner Joanne Dowd told the plan change hearing she rejected opposing submissions which questioned the need for the change.
In a written submission, Kingston resident David Kubrycht said at the current rate of growth it would take 80 years to reach capacity in the existing township.
"I can only conclude that it is not council driving this rezoning but the developer, whose only objective is to maximise his return on his investment," he said.
Ms Dowd said there was a "clear and present need" to accommodate future growth within Kingston to allow viable infrastructure and make servicing possible.
She said the council was being proactive in seeking community response on how to manage that growth.
She urged the hearings panel to reject Mr Kubrycht's submission.
The council's senior policy analyst Ralph Henderson also recommended rejecting the submission Of the 11 submissions received, four were in support, four partly in support, two opposed and one neutral.
It is proposed to rezone 88ha of rural general land owned by Kingston Village Ltd for residential and commercial use.
It is a joint venture between the developer and the council.
The hearing continues today with a submission from the New Zealand Transport Agency, which opposes the plan change.
