Universal Developments hopes to add 11 new sections to its Lake Hāwea Special Housing Area (SHA) subdivision, known as Longview. 

The developers have asked for consent for rearrangement of the third stage of the subdivision, which would shrink the size of a number of sections to allow room for the proposed additions.

“The changes will enable an additional 11 lots to be created which will positively contribute to the provision of housing supply and in particular more affordable housing options as all the additional lots are smaller in size (250m2 to 300m2),” Universal Developments’ application said. 

If the application is successful, six consented lots would be split in two to become 12 lots, adding six; and the other five additional lots would be created by making adjustments to another 22 lots. 

Stages 1A, 1B and 1C of Longview have sold out and the first titles are expected in May.

Universal Developments owner Lane Hocking told the Wānaka App the application was a “tidy up” to make the layout for stage three similar to stages one and two. 

“Some 500m2 sites were changed to two 250m2 sites so that a common-walled duplex could be built,” he said. “This allows a lower priced final housing product than a stand-alone house.”

Universal Developments said the additional sections would have a “minimal impact” on services “with all necessary services and access to be formed as part of the stage three works”. 

The development has come under fire from the local community association due to the increased pressure on limited infrastructure.

Consent for the Longview subdivision was granted in April 2020, allowing Universal Developments to develop 465 residential allotments on the south side of Cemetery Road. 

The development was approved under SHA legislation, which can allow development to be fast-tracked under more permissive consenting powers if some affordability requirements are met. 

The application to create 11 new lots is currently being considered by Queenstown Lakes District Council.

PHOTO: Wānaka App