After a decade of waiting, developers behind the proposed $300 million Shotover Country affordable housing subdivision near Frankton finally got to speak in front of Queenstown Lakes district councillors.
Yesterday, Grant and Sharyn Stalker spoke on behalf of the Ladies Mile Partnership - the landowners consortium behind the proposed development of up to 750 residential dwellings next to the Lake Hayes Estate.
Shotover Country would feature a mixture of low and medium-density development around a small commercial core and a primary school, which could include affordable "entry-level" housing.
The panel is considering plan change 41 - the partnership's request to re-zone about 120ha of land located within the rural general zone in the Shotover Delta to create the Shotover Country special zone.
Panel members and QLDC councillors Cath Gilmour, Leigh Overton and Mel Gazzard heard the Stalkers' arguments in favour of the project.
Mr Stalker, who is the second generation of his family to work Glenpanel Farm, outlined the advantages of the subdivision, including access to water from the Arrow irrigation scheme for the establishment of reserves and tree planting, a "plentiful supply of potable domestic water", close proximity to sewerage facilities and nearby work, leisure, education, retail and transport facilities at Frankton.
After going public, the idea got a "huge response in support" and since then he had fielded "many" inquiries from people asking when they could buy land "so they can build a family home", Mr Stalker said.
Mrs Stalker provided background on the partnership's desire to build a new primary school and early childhood education centre at the site, which the couple believe to be the "best place" for the district's next early education facilities.
Although supportive of Queenstown Airport Corporation air-noise boundaries and the runway end safety area, the couple opposed the airport's requirement to have houses in Shotover Country fitted with ventilation units "as we have already agreed to covenant against noise complaints".
Mr Stalker said the systems could cost up to $4000 per four-bedroom house.
"Shotover Country is about affordable living and we consider mechanical ventilation is an expensive extra to any home and should be optional.
"We still maintain our original belief that the Kiwi dream is possible in the Wakatipu with home ownership. We can't think of anything that is more important for us to do than provide people with access to that opportunity and be able to build a community for people who wish to put down roots and be part of the next generation in the district," Mr Stalker said.
