Cherry orchard allowed division despite concerns

A Ripponvale cherry orchard has received consent to subdivide, despite opposition from a neighbouring winery.

The Central Otago District Council granted resource consent to landowner Peter Jamieson to create five allotments, four of which will be between 1.6ha and 3ha in size and one which will be 0.4ha.

At a hearing in Alexandra last month Landpro planning manager Werner Murray, on behalf of the applicant, said the subdivisions were for "future flexibility".

Queenstown lawyer Maree Baker-Galloway, who represented neighbouring Rockburn Wines, said it was concerned the future of the allotments could be residential. This would ruin the amenity values of the area, she said.

The application received three submissions in support, two opposed and four neutral.

The other opposing submission was from the Otago Regional Council, which raised concerns about an alluvial fan on the site producing floodwater and debris flow.

The council report said the subdivision was not contrary to the objectives and policies of its district plan and granted it with 24 conditions.

A resource consent application to create a subdivision for 21 apartments at Highlands Motorsport Park was also granted.

They will be between 122sqm and 276sqm and have a communal courtyard, part-owned by each apartment.

The apartments will be built in an area called Pitlane Apartments, next to the track.