A private plan change to provide visitor accommodation next to Puzzling World at Wanaka will be publicly notified by the Queenstown Lakes District Council, despite a councillor abstaining from voting for the recommendation.
Marie Eleanor Skeggs lodged what has become named private plan change 47: Alpha Views to enable visitor accommodation by way of a subzone at 190192 Wanaka Luggate Highway.
There are two dwellings and a nine-hole private golf course on the 7.3ha site, which is zoned rural general and accessed from the Wanaka-Luggate Highway.
Senior policy planner Tim Williams said in his report to the council's strategy committee this week there were no grounds for rejecting the request, or stating it should be progressed.
However, Cr Simon Stamers-Smith referred to the district plan and was concerned that permitting the subzone would set a precedent. He suggested Ms Skeggs apply for resource consent, as the proposed plan change would undermine the integrity of the rural zone if it was approved.
Mr Williams told the committee the recommendation tabled was not to assess the merits of the proposal.
Cr Cath Gilmour said the council would be able to submit its comments on the proposal.
Chairman Leigh Overton said approving the recommendation to progress the plan change to public notification was ‘‘a gateway to the process'' and it was not the first subzone.
Cr Stamers-Smith said: ‘‘There must be a simpler way of doing things.''
Cr Overton said: ‘‘Our acceptance is no indication of which way we stand.''
All committee members voted in favour of the recommendation, but Cr Stamers-Smith abstained.
Mr Williams reported the plan change could be notified by mid-September. A hearing could be held late this year, depending on the number and nature of submissions.
