Mt Iron Junction Ltd is appealing the decision to refuse consent for its proposed mixed-use development at the intersection of the Wanaka-Luggate highway (SH84) and the Albert Town-Lake Hawea Road (SH6).

The proposal for “non-complying activity” on 5.83ha of land zoned rural included workers’ accommodation, terraced housing, a childcare centre, a service station with car-wash and laundromat, and a mini golf facility. It also included a potential second stage with motel units and a commercial precinct.

After the April decision (by independent commissioners Ian Munro, Jane Taylor and Jane Sinclair), Mt Iron Junction business partners Steve (Shaker) Schikker of Wanaka and Peter Green of Christchurch said they would consider lodging an appeal with the Environment Court.

They have now lodged an appeal, and the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) planning and strategy committee will consider a request to mediate in relation to the appeal at a public excluded session tomorrow morning (Thursday June 11).

Shaker told the Wanaka App he and Peter were frustrated with the time and “the extraordinary amount of money” spent over three years pursuing the resource consent, which began under the recommendation of the council at the time.

The development attracted 36 written submissions last year with 25 in support and seven opposed, and a public hearing was held in Wanaka in mid-February in which the commissioners listened to views for and against the proposal.

The proposal includes worker accommodation and terraced housing. IMAGE: Supplied

Under the Resource Management Act the commissioners had to be satisfied that the proposal was not contrary to the relevant district plans’ objectives and policies (both operative and proposed plans) and its adverse effects must be no more than minor; and in both respects the commissioners said the proposal failed to meet these requirements for non-complying activities.

The commissioners acknowledged the applicant’s many efforts to mitigate the adverse effects likely and the other positive effects that were explained at the hearing.

Shaker said in April the proposal endeavoured to satisfy the needs of the community, particularly in respect to worker accommodation, and he and Peter had been encouraged by community support.

Deputy mayor Calum Macleod and Wanaka councillor Quentin Smith are members of the planning and strategy committee which will consider the mediation request tomorrow.