Applicants of a 30-lot subdivision at Bendigo are continuing to work with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to discuss a compensation package for threatened species at Rocky Point.

TKO Properties wants to use the site for residential housing and travellers accommodation, with some of the development on an ‘Outstanding Natural Landscape’ (ONL).

The hearing in late November was adjourned while the submitter collated more information for the hearings panel.

The Director-General of Conservation made a submission that the conservation covenant did not permit the erection of any buildings, or removal of threatened and at-risk plants.

Following the hearing the company commissioned Wildlands Consultants to undertake a plant survey in mid-December and two threatened, along with eight ‘at risk’ species were observed within the proposed impact zone of the 30 lots.

The development attracted 13 submissions and 11 were opposed - one submitter asked council to consider a ban on owning cats in the development, to help reduce the predation on lizards.

A consultant herpetologist also suggested council could reasonably impose that as a condition, either as a consent notice or a covenant.

Bendigo is becoming a popular spot for many types of different developments in recent years FILE SHOT

The application was heard by an independent commissioner, and Central Otago District Council’s planning consultant Adam Vincent recommended the development be refused.

The current environment was predominantly undeveloped vegetation covered hillside, and the District Plan anticipated a “reasonably highly modified rural environment” for the Rural Resource zoned area, with provisions for residential development.

But Adam said in his report that on the one hand, a compliant subdivision in the development zone would be a controlled activity that council would not be able to refuse.

“This would create an anticipation that dwellings could be built on the lots. However, dwellings on most of the land in the western half of the development zone, in particular, would not be able to comply with the requirements for building…’’

That was because of the significant earthworks or landscaping of the area, as it was an open hillside and terrace view in plain view of Lake Dunstan, he said.

In the ONL, he considered more weight should be given to avoiding buildings where they would be visually prominent from outside the site, particularly from Lake Dunstan and State Highway 8.

The company was planning to meet with DOC in late January to discuss proactive measures to create and maintain habitat for threatened/at risk species through a refined offset model and compensation package.

TKO Properties also proposed adding two public walking tracks along a ridgeline and to a viewpoint.

The tracks would both traverse parts of the site that allowed for views over the Bendigo area and the upper reaches of Lake Dunstan.