A proposal to develop two lots of the former Hawthorn Estate development without the ponds required in the original resource consent can now be processed without going to a hearing.
Developer Arcadian Triangle's application was last Friday awarded non-notified status, which means the general public cannot make submissions on the 8.63ha proposal.
Last Tuesday's hearing on the matter was held by commissioners Denis Nugent and Lyal Cocks.
In place of the ponds, Arcadian proposes future landowners of subdivided residential lots could have the option of instead planting native plant species to "encourage a variety of native bird life in the area, both permanently and during appropriate seasons".
The plantings' conservation benefits are designed to make up for the loss of the ponds, which had tipped the balance in favour of original consent being granted.
