Cromwell golf resort plan on hold
A proposed multimillion-dollar world-class golf resort has taken a hit, at least until submissions have been heard about a planned 900-section subdivision in Cromwell.
Highlands chief executive officer Josie Spillane said this week the company’s plans for a landmark 18-hole golf course were on hold while it waited for the outcome of Plan Change 13.
As reported in the Otago Daily Times last week, River Terrace Developments Ltd, owned by Chris and Michaela Meehan of Queenstown, has requested the Central Otago District Council agree to the plan change involving 49ha of land.
They want to use the land to build houses, a retirement village, a school, cafes and shops – making it a “high density residential” area.
The Cromwell “Eye to the Future” masterplan would also determine the golf resort’s future, Mrs Spillane said.
While it was not yet known what shape the masterplan would take, Plan Change 13 was not in Highlands’ favour.
“We believe it’s an entirely inappropriate use of the land,” Mrs Spillane said.
The land proposed for use in Plan Change 13, along State Highway 6, neighbours the Highlands Motorsport Park, the Central Motors Speedway and orchards.
The park’s acoustic engineers found that “a good portion of that community is going to be annoyed by Highlands on a daily basis”, she said.
“We need to understand what our future looks like before we move forward.”
Highlands welcomed the support of people who submitted in its favour and that of the surrounding orchards.
“It is the start of what is going to be a substantial journey,” Mrs Spillane said.
Submissions closed yesterday.
Industry and sector discussions were hosted earlier this week in relation to Cromwell’s Eye to the Future masterplan, which included land development and construction, primary production and business.
A public survey on the masterplan will also be launched online in the coming weeks.
Source: Otago Daily Times
