Another Wanaka resource consent battle is set to be decided in the Environment Court. Last month, Gavin and Jaquetta George, of Auckland, were granted permission by independent commissioner Bob Nixon to build a two-storey lodge in an area of outstanding natural landscape in west Wanaka on Mt Aspiring Rd.
As well as the lodge, the couple were also granted consent to hold up to 26 events, mostly weddings, a year.
A set of concessions was made by the Georges after the hearing, which included reducing the maximum number of guests at any one event from 100 to 50. There also could be no more than four weddings a week and they could run only from 10am to midnight.
A group of neighbouring landowners who were opposed to the consent have appealed the decision to the Environment Court.
The appeal was filed by lawyer Jayne Macdonald.
Events held at the lodge and the visual and noise pollution from them, rather than the building itself, were the main objections from the group.
Conditions set by Mr Nixon to contain the noise, light and landscape effects failed to adequately lessen the impact of activity at the site, the appeal states.
The frequency of the events at the lodge and the hours of operation remained a concern for the group.
The appeal also states Mr Nixon’s decision was misguided in its consideration of other, similar, consents granted near Wanaka in rural zoned land.
Resource consent was also opposed by the Upper Clutha Environmental Society on the grounds it would add to a negative cumulative effect on the area of outstanding natural landscape.
In his decision, Mr Nixon said the granting of the Georges’ consent would not set a precedent for development in the area.
Wanaka developer Allan Dippie has applied for resource consent to build a house on the neighbouring property, which was noted by Mr Nixon.
A hearing for that resource consent is set for March 15.
