Most want current boundaries

Most Arrowtown respondents have come out in favour of the Queenstown Lakes District Council's (QLDC) plan change 29 to restrict Arrowtown's growth within current boundaries.

Of the 537 submissions, more than 89% of all submissions opposed the extension of Arrowtown's borders.

About 10%, representing 54 respondents, voted for future growth.

The submissions against border expansion represented 565 named individuals or organisations, including the Ministry of Education, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and the Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association.

Arrowtown residents group spokeswoman Mia Bennie said she was not surprised at the result.

"All our polling over the past two years has indicated a 90% rejection of expansion. I am hopeful that our QLDC councillors will listen to the clear views of the community that elected them," she said.

"It's a good start but there is a long way to go. Residents need to continue to participate in the process and ensure that all QLDC councillors are aware of their views."

The Ministry of Education's manager for Otago and Southland, Kathryn Palmer, said limiting further growth in Arrowtown allowed for better planning for the future education needs of the community.

"The level of growth allowed for within the urban growth boundary is likely to be within the capacity of Arrowtown Primary School," she said.

Arrowtown artists Peter Beadle and Graham Brindsley said Arrowtown should be retained as a village because it had a very special visual effect.

Arrowtown Museum director David Clarke said development would diminish "that desirability that made the town charming in the first place".

The Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association said it was essential to preserve Arrowtown in its current form to maximise its character, scale and heritage values.

The New Zealand Historic Places Trust said the historic character of Arrowtown should be maintained.

The Arrowtown Village Association said it was neutral on the plan change.

Arrowtown resident Robert Farrell said any expansion would be out of step with the current infrastructure such as sewerage, water, schools, preschools and town centre facilities.

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