Partial consent has been granted for the $11 million Around the Mountains cycle trail, but one Southland District councillor is disappointed.
Independent hearing commissioner Denis Nugent, of Wanaka, declined consent for a section from the Mount Nicholas Rd bridge to, and including, the proposed Oreti suspension bridge, because of significant adverse effects on the environment.
The declined section through the Eyre Mountains, from Mavora to West Dome, comprises 28km of the 175km trail.
The trail route runs from Walter Peak south past the Mavora Lakes and then over to Lumsden, before following State Highway 6 north to Kingston.
Southland District Councillor John Douglas, of the Five Rivers ward, was disappointed at the decision, saying the environmental impact would have been minimal, but it had taken precedence over the social good.
Cr Douglas said the setback meant the council would need to discuss further action. The declined section included proposed structures, earthworks and gravel extraction sites.
This decision follows a hearing in April, after the application drew more than 200 submissions.
