The approval of an urban subdivision within the Alpha Series development in Wānaka has been questioned by freshwater group Friends of Bullock Creek (FOBC).

The application from Orchard Road Holdings Ltd to create a 20-lot subdivision on West Meadows Drive was approved by independent commissioner Wendy Baker last month.

FOBC has been vocal in its disappointment with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) for deferring work on stormwater mitigation for the Bullock Creek catchment for the next seven years, and the group has even asked council to pause any further urban development south of the creek’s headwaters in the meantime.

They say this would help minimise the impact of pollution on Bullock Creek and subsequently Lake Wānaka. FOBC says prior to urban development in the creek’s headwaters in 2015 the creek was pristine, and since then it has been identified by Otago Regional Council as the most polluted freshwater body in the Upper Lakes Rohe.

Read more: Groups demand action on stormwater mitigation

FOBC has now written to QLDC mayor Glyn Lewers asking him to explain why another subdivision has been consented within the Alpha Series development in the Roy’s Bay catchment. 

“FOBC et al were extremely surprised that this Resource Consent was granted considering that there is no capacity in the stormwater system to service this proposed subdivision,” the letter said.

“..it was consented without regard to the National Policy Statement – Fresh Water Management, nor Te Mana o Te Wai [the fundamental concept of the Essential Freshwater Regulations].”

The subdivision plans include 20 residential lots, a local purpose stormwater reserve, and a reserve. 

The application was processed on a non-notified basis and approved subject to the usual conditions, including measures to control and/or mitigate dust, silt run-off and sedimentation.

QLDC, which has not yet responded to FOBC’s letter, has been approached for comment.