Claim vineyard rezoning would ruin area's appeal

Cromwell, Central Otago

Cromwell residents opposed to the proposed rezoning of a vineyard in the town say the spread of small residential sections will adversly affect the rural residential area's appeal.

In December, the Wooing Tree Vineyard owners announced plans to develop the 26ha site into a "boutique residential and commercial space'' designed to complement their wine business.

The vineyard is situated on State Highway 8B across from the town's giant fruit sculpture.
In the first round of submissions the Central Otago District Council received 24 submissions against the proposal and 17 in support. A second round of submissions closes on September 4.

Cromwell man Bruce Anderson, who opposes the plans, said in his submission high-density housing would negatively affect property values in the neighbouring areas.

"The whole of the [rural residential] area will lose its appeal to the people who have invested considerable sums to live in an area which allows only for large and desirable properties.''

Cromwell couple Richard and Wendy Byrne, who also oppose the plans, said in their submission acceptance of the proposal would create "an undesirable precedent'', as it could spark "similar, high-density developments''.

Cromwell man David Lewis Holden, who supported the plans, said for Cromwell to keep growing it needed more sections.

The owners of Wooing Tree earlier this year applied to change the site's designation from rural residential to residential and light commercial.

Vineyard partners Geoff and Jane Bews and Steve and Thea Farquharson say the development could include community amenities, tourist attractions, retail and accommodation.

Ten percent of the development would be allocated to commerce, while the remaining 90% was for grapevines, residential lots and open spaces.