The developer of a proposed 11-unit motel complex at Lawrence wants the Clutha District Council to reduce the "financial contributions" it is charging.
Lawrence man Neville Williams, who is acting on behalf of Stephen Wadsworth, of the United Kingdom, who wants to build the motels, said yesterday the development was "a long way off" and "the plans haven't even been drawn yet".
The council granted a resource consent application for land use on October 21, imposing 14 conditions, two of which being the consent holder has to pay "financial contributions" to the council of $22,055 for the water system and head works, and $52,635 for the sewerage scheme, totalling $74,690, with additional application and connection costs.
The Lawrence/Tuapeka Community Board will tomorrow consider a request allowing for a 50% reduction in those costs.
Financial contributions are intended to "mitigate the additional burden of development on the existing council infrastructure".
Mr Williams is arguing for the reduction on the grounds a motel imposes less of a burden on that infrastructure than domestic households.
In a letter sent to the CDC water services manager Hank Stocker, Mr Williams said "the fees set out by the council would make this a not-so-good proposition".
The letter went on to say there was "insufficient accommodation in Lawrence" and the development may generate employment.
Mr Williams proposed paying a 75% reduced fee, totalling $18,672.
However, the community board will discuss recommending the financial contributions for water and sewerage be reduced to 50% of the standard charges for each motel unit, equalling $37,345.
The proposed motel complex, near the police station, will comprise 11 one-bedroom units.
