A new ‘farm park’ subdivision near Tarras, is being proposed by the Trevathan family who have worked the land since 1949.

The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has invited public submissions on the Maori Point Road proposal, which would involve turning 133ha into 16 lots for residential use.

The land historically was subdivided off the larger Morven Station and currently used for cattle grazing.

The application would allow each lot to be 2000sqm and developed for rural residential purposes. 

The remaining 14ha lot would be retained as productive farm use. 

The new lots would have shared ownership with the larger farm through a body corporate type arrangement, managed by Jonny Trevathan of the Clutha Plains Trust. 

The application said the purpose of “clustering” instead of dividing into 8ha parcels each, was to allow for the productive land to be maintained in a larger parcel suited to the existing grazing usage.

While the development took up usable productive farmland, it was far less than if the development was scattered throughout the 133.1190 hectares - thereby retaining a 119ha farm amongst the subdivision. 

The ‘farm park’ development enabled residents to live amongst an operational farm and have access to fruit and nut trees within the covenant areas. 

The Tarras and Bendigo area is fast becoming a hot spot for developments, from residential to horticulture and now a farm park. IMAGE: SUPPLIED.

Speaking to The Central App Jonny said it had been an 18-month process to get the development proposal underway, and many local people were already aware of his plans.

A similar farm park had also been consented on Jolly Road in Tarras by Douglas Developments three years ago. 

“They are not uncommon around here anymore,” he said.

Hillend Station near Wanaka and Bendemeer Estate at Lake Hayes were also based on a farm park model.

Jonny said the idea was for people interested in rural living but without having the responsibility of running an actual farm.

There would be conditions on the sale and purchase agreement agreed by a committee regarding the types of houses that could be built there.

“We’re trying to do this high end,” he said.

A lot of native trees would be planted to create an ecosystem and encourage more birds into the area.

Submissions close on February 14 and you can click on the link to the CODC website

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