By JO-MARIE BROWN
TAUPO - A Department of Conservation report has delayed the expansion of an adventure tourism business and delighted a group of residents who do not want a giant swing and flying fox built near their homes.
Taupo Bungy had been waiting for DoC to approve a Taupo District Council management plan before expanding its facilities on the Riverbank Recreation Reserve, off Spa Rd.
But DoC has quashed the plan because one part of the reserve was not properly classified and the cafe and carpark extensions proposed by Taupo Bungy were not deemed appropriate under the Reserves Act 1977.
More than 170 Waikato River Valley residents have opposed Taupo Bungy's plans and spokeswoman Glenis Gentil said the group welcomed DoC's decision.
The residents believed a giant swing, flying fox and additional buildings would harm the valley's wildlife and landscape as well as create excessive noise and impair their views.
"The natural value of the valley should be paramount. The scenery is irrelevant when you're taking a bungy jump - you just scream," said Mrs Gentil.
DoC's report to the council said Taupo Bungy's expansion plans were unnecessary "to enable the public to obtain benefit and enjoyment from the reserve, nor will they aid in its management or protection."
It also said the plans would lead to increased noise and would hurt the ambience of the area.
Taupo Bungy spokesman Mark Chrisp said DoC had done a u-turn on the issue because it had previously made a written submission to the council supporting the development of adventure tourism on the land.
Taupo Bungy would apply for consent to build its giant swing despite DoC's report, but Mrs Gentil said that the residents would continue to fight.
DoC rejects adventure expansion
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