Council discusses 5-mile development

Implications of the appointment of receivers to 5 Mile Holdings Limited was discussed by the Queenstown Lakes District Council at its full council meeting today at Queenstown.

After the meeting QLDC chief executive Duncan Field said it was evident that there was considerable uncertainty around the receivership.

“That may continue to be the case for some time into the future,” he said.

The Council had however indicated that it remained confident that Plan Change processes for Frankton Flats (where 5-Mile is located) would deliver good outcomes for the community.

They include: confirming key arterial transportation routes, the acquisition of reserves, protection of the Queenstown Airport, good urban design and a range of other features.

“Despite the current situation planning of this important piece land will continue, the status of the ownership of 5-Mile will not effect the process,” Mr Field said.

The planning process remained in the hands of a very experienced group of planning commissioners who would re-convene to hear further evidence from the Council in October.

The commissioners’ recommendation on the Plan Change is expected to be delivered in November or December this year.

The Council also today briefly explored a suggestion from the community that the Council purchase the 5-Mile site.

“The Plan Change will enable the Council and the community to achieve a good outcome and give protection to the future use of the Frankton Flat area into the future, regardless of ownership,” Mr Field said.

Given the Council’s confidence in the planning process it did not consider purchase of the site was necessary.