Groundwork on Queenstown's first special housing area will begin ‘‘as soon as possible'' now it has gained final approval, its developers say.
Queenstown Lakes District Council-appointed commissioners have issued their final decision on the Bridesdale Farm subdivision.
It clears the way for 134 homes to be built on a 32-hectare block bordering Lake Hayes Estate.
Speaking on behalf of Bridesdale Farm Developments Ltd, lawyer Warwick Goldsmith said it was ‘‘pleasing'' to have a final decision.
But the final outcome had been clearly signalled in the commissioners' interim decision in January, and there had been no significant changes, Mr Goldsmith said.
‘‘It was just tidying up various loose ends in the conditions.''
New conditions imposed by the commissioners panel of Denis Nugent (chairman), Mel Gazzard and David Mead include the construction of a sealed, public road providing access to the Kawarau River and the formation of a residents' society to ensure the ‘‘tidy use and maintenance'' of garden allotments and accessways.
Homeowners will be required to kept their allotment free of weeds, keep non-vegetation materials stored in their garden shed and neatly store cut vegetation.
Bridesdale Farm Developments are required to operate the society for at least three years.
Other conditions relate to the legal status and landscaping of an area where 11 deleted lots were to be located, protection of a macrocarpa hedge on the subdivision's northern boundary and restrictions on the number of double driveways.
In their January interim decision, commissioners made significant changes to the subdivision, deleting 11 proposed house sites nearest the Kawarau River, reconfiguring some plots next to existing properties and shrinking plans for the garden allotments.
