A hearing on the proposed ‘farm park’ subdivision near Tarras by the Trevathan family will be held in early April.

The Clutha Plains Trust development attracted 18 submissions - five in opposition, one neutral and 12 in support, but the Central Otago District Council’s planner Kirstyn Royce has recommended it be declined.

Under the District Plan a subdivision needed to have average size of no less than 8ha and a minimum lot size of no less than 2ha within the Rural Resource Area.

The 133ha proposed development would involve 16 new lots for residential use, with each lot only 2000sqm - making it non-complying.

Those supporting the proposal considered the lot sizes were appropriate and would provide much needed rural style housing. 

The submitters in opposition raised concerns regarding the adverse effects of the proposal on the rural landscape. They considered the configuration of the subdivision meant the strip of houses would be clearly visible from the Clutha River Mata Au, parts of Bowman Rd and the submitters property. 

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

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

The application said the purpose of “clustering” instead of dividing into 8ha parcels 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. 

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

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

The hearing has been set down for April 8 in Alexandra.