The Mt Iron Junction development is one step closer to fruition but Mt Iron Junction Ltd, owned by Steve Schikker and Peter Green, has had to downsize the proposal significantly to get it across the line.

The mixed-use development, on almost 6ha of land at the base of Mt Iron and bordered by state highways 6 and 84, went before Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) in November 2018 but resource consent was denied.

However, a compromise was reached through the Environment Court mediation process and the amended development plan was signed off on Monday (April 19).

The amended plan consists of a service station, a workers’ accommodation village and 13 two-and three-bedroomed terrace houses.

The site of the development, which is bordered by state highways 6 and 84. PHOTO: Wanaka App

Steve said he can see “great benefit to the community” with the consented components of the development but said he is “naturally disappointed not to include the motel, childcare centre, mini-golf course and retail area which were part of the original application”. 

The original development proposal attracted 36 written submissions with 25 in support and seven opposed, plus three seeking changes and one neutral. The consent was denied by independent commissioners Ian Munro, Jane Taylor and Jane Sinclair in April 2020.

The Environment Court mediation process involved QLDC planning and landscape assessment staff, interested parties and Mt Iron Junction Ltd.

Environment Court judge Prudence Steven said the proposal was amended to remove many of the urban elements initially proposed, and various landscaping measures are required, including a substantial ‘protected landscape area’ on a portion of the land adjacent to state highway 84 to “maintain a sense of rural openness”. 

Steve said the whole process had been a roller-coaster ride, but the granting of consent “has definitely made it all worthwhile”.

Mt Iron Junction Ltd was pleased with the mediation process and the “progressive approach” from QLDC, he said.

“Further planning and detailed design can now take place and the team is looking forward to getting this much anticipated development off the ground.”