The "lungs" of the Queenstown Lakes district - land in the rural general zone - needed to be protected, Dame Elizabeth Hanan told commissioners yesterday during a hearing for private plan change 39 (Arrowtown south).
She told independent commissioners Mike Garland, of Christchurch, Lyal Cocks and Gillian Macleod the proposal to rezone 31ha of rural land, allowing for a comprehensive development south of the existing town, should be rejected.
The plan change was "totally out of order" when deliberations were ongoing regarding the outcome of plan change 30 (urban boundaries) and plan change 29 (Arrowtown boundary), both proposed by the council, she said.
"The plan change before you is to extend housing, creating a mini Queenstown or Lake Hayes Estate, which is contrary to everything the district plan stands for and heavily erodes the rural general zone.
"The proposal is not for low-density housing, but concentrated housing to maximise return to the developers.
"This is a rural area and it is essential to provide open space such as this - the lungs of the district.
"For the 31ha to be converted into housing is to destroy the backdrop of Arrowtown and the Wakatipu Basin.
"It is time the rural general zone is retained, giving the area its character and point of difference.
"This zone is under threat and needs the QLDC to give it protection under the district plan."
Dame Elizabeth said Arrowtown was the "last village concept" in the Queenstown Lakes district network and to allow developers "to destroy this for their own personal gain" would mean a long-term loss.
"The whole Wakatipu Basin ought not be covered in housing.
"The views of the majority of submitters in opposition should be respected."
However, Arrowtown resident Don Spary disagreed, saying the proposal was "an ideal proposition" to help growth pressure in the town "in a positive manner".
"The problem is Arrowtown has become extremely popular.
"Arrowtown is a victim of it's own success, but we can't [stop growth] just because things have changed.
"There is a real demand for people to come and live in this place.
"There are a million reasons why people should have the opportunity.
"I would have thought it was council's job to meet the demand, not only for the existing population ... but the new population coming and wanting their chance."
Mr Spary said he accepted there were "strong feelings" about Arrowtown, which should be listened to.
However, "on the other hand, you also have to look at facing reality".
"The reality is, Arrowtown will continue to expand."
The hearing continues at the Athenaeum Hall today.
