Support is divided for the Lakeside Christian Centre’s proposed subdivision in Lowburn.

Parishioners have been working hard to complete their new church fitout, and are hoping to subdivide two 3000sqm lots of land to help secure more funding.

Situated in Lowburn Valley Road, the project has been years in the planning, all paid for by the 120 members themselves, through fundraising, donations and a business loan.

Led by Pastor Bruce Wast, Stage 2 will get underway for the 600sqm church in 2026.

The new church has plenty of traditional features, such as a higher pitch roof similar to the existing one, and complete with a vestibule, knave and altar.

The Central Otago District Council received six submissions for the subdivision, and land use consent is also sought to establish a residential building platform on the two sites.

While the proposal is considered a non-complying activity under the District Plan for a subdivision in the Rural Resource Area, council’s planner noted that the site sits within a clearly defined enclave of residential activities in the community.

Four residents have opposed the subdivision, citing inconsistencies with the District Plan, environmental risks on the nearby stream, as well as flood hazard risks, and concerns the development will set a precedent for high density housing.

Dr Len Wakefield said in his submission that there had been a previous attempt to rezone the land to Large Lot Residential Precinct 2 but it was unsuccessful.

“It is inevitable that there will be further subdivision and development along the Lowburn Valley Road. It is my view that any new development should comply fully with the regulations governing rural resource areas. The current application does not comply with separation distances or internal setbacks.”

Two submitters supported the application, including John and Steph Wennekes, but they are concerned there are no caveats or constraints on the proposed sections.

They want to see conditions that disallowed relocatables and accommodation blocks being built.

A hearing will be held on the proposed development in the New Year, once a date is confirmed.

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