A 17-lot development on a 132ha Tarras site has been approved by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) and lots could be available as soon as next summer.

The ‘farm park’ style subdivision will combine large residential lots with shared greenspaces including a working farm and other communal facilities.

The subdivision’s residential lots will be held as unit titles under a body corporate and each will share ownership and access to the shared farm, developer Douglas Developments Ltd said. 

This type shared-ownership development style has been seen in neighbouring areas such as at Bendemeer, Lake Hayes, but is fairly new to Central Otago.

During the application process for the subdivision seven submissions were received (four in opposition and three in support), but prior to the hearing one neighbouring landowner withdrew its opposition.

The subdivision will be located at 168 Jolly Road.

Supporters said they believed the development would attract new families to the area and help it grow and opposing submitters raised concerns around the effect on the rural landscape.

Douglas Developments Ltd representative Lloyd Morris said a considerable amount of plantings and landscaping would help the Jolly Road development tie in with the surrounding setting.

Lloyd said Christchurch International Airport Limited’s (CIAL) proposal for a jet-capable airport at Tarras was at odds with what made places like Tarras attractive.

See also: ‘Proposed Tarras airport could accommodate jets from Australia and Pacific’

“Central Otago has something that is unique and of such a quality that it’s what draws people to the area,” he said. 

Lloyd said he did not want to speculate on whether Douglas Developments Ltd would oppose any future applications by CIAL for an airport, as all directors and the family had not yet reached a final position on the matter.

Douglas Development Ltd’s farm park development will be located at 168 Jolly Road.

PHOTOS: Supplied