Fast-Track Referral Declined for Pegasus Golf Course Redevelopment Project
The Minister for Infrastructure has declined to refer a controversial proposal to redevelop Canterbury’s Pegasus Golf Course to the fast-track approvals process.
Developer’s Proposal for Golf Course Site
Property developer Wolfbrook purchased the 18-hole golf course in May. The developer planned to redevelop the land into 1,000 homes, alongside a mixed-use commercial and community area.
Details of the Minister’s Decision
According to a decision released on Wednesday on the Fast Track website, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop decided against referring the project to the fast-track system.
The Notice of Decisions letter outlined the specific criteria required for a project to be accepted, stating that the project could only proceed if the minister was satisfied that the criteria in section 22 were met. This includes “‘being satisfied the project was an infrastructure or development project that would have significant regional or national benefits.'”
The criteria also require that “…referring the project to the fast-track approvals process would facilitate the project, including by enabling it to be processed in a more timely and cost-effective way than under normal processes and is unlikely to materially affect the efficient operation of the fast-track approvals process.”
The document further noted the discretionary power of the minister: “Additionally, the minister has the discretion to decline a referral application for any other reason, whether or not the project meets the criteria in section 22 of the Act,” it said.
Regarding the specific reasoning for the Pegasus proposal, “The minister considered it would be more appropriate to deal with the matters that would be authorised by the proposed approvals under another Act or Acts.”
Reapplication Process
If a project is not referred, the applicant retains the option to apply for referral again. A decision document noted, “This is considered a new application, subject to fees and charges.”
Related News:
NZ: Battle Over Pegasus Golf Course Escalates as Developer Seeks Fast-Track Approval
