Developers of a 75-unit accommodation complex at Frankton, Queenstown, who won resource consent two years ago after promising to provide affordable housing for resort workers now say they want to use some of the units for tourists.
Taradale Management Ltd, which owns the complex, told a Queenstown Lakes District planning hearingyesterday it wants to turn 23 of the Greenstone Apartments into serviced visitor accommodation, even though they are on Battery Hill, a low density, residential only, area.
The developers also sought to have the changed status approved without public notification but that was refused after chairwoman Kathy Neal accused them of trying to "go through the back door."
The original consent two years ago caused considerable controversy, because the complex was planned on a site designated residential only.
It won support because of the desperate shortage of affordable accommodation for workers in the resort.
Turning down the application for a non-notified change Ms Neal said Taradale Properties' application had to be notified to give affected neighbours and the surrounding community their say.
"Developers can't expect to change their minds halfway through a residential development and expect us to agree to commercial visitor accommodation in a residential low density zone. We can't do that. Neighbours need to know and need to have their say."
