A Gold Coast-type canal village in rural Clevedon has been criticised as "crass" and "inappropriate" by the Auckland Regional Council chairman.
The ARC will not have the final say on whether the $100 million-plus, 297-home Wairoa River Maritime Village goes ahead but it can appeal all the way to theEnvironment Court.
Chairman Mike Lee has already expressed his disapproval.
"What we see is an urban sprawl situation in what is a very sensitive rural and coastal area," he said.
The ARC and Watercare Services have both lodged submissions opposing the scheme, concerned about pressure on infrastructure and the environment and the creation of intensive residential development in an area not earmarked for it.
Public submissions on the necessary plan change close today, and the opposition group Clevedon Cares is planning a protest outside Manukau City Council's civic centre.
The group says it has 250 submissions opposing the development.
But developer Derek Presland says he has backing from the Manukau council - which is being accused of bias because it agreed to contribute to the costs of what is expected to be a lengthy and expensive planning process.
"[The city council] believe in the project and they are behind it and so are a huge silent majority," Mr Presland said.
Manukau planning manager Brigitte de Ronde said the council remained independent.
"Legally the proponents of the development have the same status as any other submitter," she said.
Clevedon Cares spokeswoman Mary Whitehouse said the development was an attack on Clevedon's rural lifestyle.
"If high-density housing projects like this are allowed to go ahead right around Auckland's rim, the only green spaces left will be manicured parks."
Mr Presland said benefits to Clevedon would include widening and improving road access to the village and creation of a large wetland.
Project manager David Haines said the canal scheme would be built over the lower reaches of the Wairoa River, 5km from Clevedon.
Forty-four hectares would be set aside for housing and the rest would be wetland or recreational area.
