The Environment Court has issued a consent order resolving the appeal by Arrowtown Village Association (AVA) on the Urban Intensification Variation (UIV) to the Proposed District Plan (PDP).
In a joint statement from Queenstown Lakes District Council and Arrowtown Village Association, the consent order reflects an agreement reached between the Council and AVA prior to formal mediation, avoiding the cost of formal mediation or an Environment Court hearing.
Council Planning Policy Manager, Alyson Hutton said that in making its original decision on the UIV, Council was responding to direction from central government.
“The National Policy Statement on Urban Development directed Council to enable upzoning in appropriate locations and to simplify provisions,” said Ms Hutton.
“Whilst QLDC’s original decision was based on achieving consistency across the district, we recognise the unique historic character of Arrowtown and the role played by the Arrowtown Design Guidelines.
“The guidelines will now be able to be considered when a development proposal breaches a rule that references them. In such cases, the guidelines can assist with assessing the potential effects of any development breach on Arrowtown’s character,” she said.
AVA Chair, Nick Fifield said the initial removal of the guidelines was an important issue for the local community, and the resolution outside of a formal Court process was positive.
“Arrowtown residents value the role the guidelines play in providing clarity around the historic character of the village. Their continued reference in the District Plan reflects this and we’re grateful to QLDC for its collaborative approach to this matter,” he said.
The Environment Court consent order reinstates references to the Arrowtown Design Guidelines in Chapters 7 (Suburban Residential Zone) and 8 (Medium Density Residential Zone) of the PDP.
