Mr Richmond told hearing Commissioner Alan Watson at the Tauranga City Council chambers yesterday that he was "disgusted" by the consultation process undertaken by the applicant, particularly obtaining some neighbours' approvals by going house-to-house.
"I think the whole process has been a farce," he said.
Mr Richmond said that side of Moffat Rd was designated a rural residential zone and, when they first bought their property in 1998, they were assured it would remain so for 35-40 years. "This is one of the main reasons we bought the property," he said.
High-density housing in the middle of a rural residential zone was commercial use activity and totally out of harmony with the current environment, he said.
Mr Richmond said that, despite the applicant's view, the effects would be more than minor.
"We have sold the property for health reasons but, even so, I stand by my opposition."
Dr Andrew Corin and his wife live in St Regis Way, on the southwest boundary of the site, and they and their family trust are also opposed.
Dr Corin said that, prior to buying their property in 2003, they spoke to a Tauranga City Council planner to identify any future risks to the unique character of the area. "The long-term security of this unique character was important to us, as we intended living here for many years," he said.
Dr Corin said the nature of the development was completely at odds with the advice previously given by council planning staff. "During the early stages of the development, our property may be at risk in the short to medium term from adverse stormwater runoff, erosion, siltation and land subsidence effects."
Tim Preston, a director of Preston Group, which operates Mills Reef Winery, said he had spent a lot of time over the past year engaging with the 17 neighbouring property owners, 14 had signed off on the consent and only three remained opposed.
"We have worked with our southern neighbours in particular, who will be the most affected, and all their concerns have been addressed in the application," he said.
The applicant's lawyer Kate Barry-Piceno said the development fell well within the rules of the city plan as a discretionary land use activity.
Ms Barry-Piceno said the remaining opposing neighbours were located below the site, with outlooks in the opposite direction towards the Wairoa River.
The effects on them were likely to be "no more than minor" and an appropriate set of resource consent conditions could address their concerns.
Commissioner Watson adjourned the hearing until 5pm today, to enable further discussions to take place with the parties about an appropriate set of resource conditions.
Mr Watson expected to deliver his decision within 15 working days.
