Residents have been left in limbo after it was announced the resource consent hearing for the Mt Munro wind farm will be delayed by a year.
The wind farm would be scattered along the ridge line close to Pukaha Mt Bruce, about 5km south of Eketahuna, and would have 20
wind turbines up to 130m high over 720ha, generating enough power for 31,000 homes.
Halswell resident Gavin Osborne said locals were surprised to hear of the delay, and asked why assessments weren't done properly before the initial application was submitted.
"The transmission line and substation are a short distance from Pukaha and the kaka in particular, have been identified in the assessment as at high risk from this. We question whether it is appropriate to have an industrial project next to such an important restoration project," Mr Osborne said.
The delay put the lives of residents on hold, particularly those thinking of selling and moving from the area, he said.
