Saddle Hill Quarry Future Subject To Mediation

The Environment Court has supported an effort to mediate a solution to the Council’s application for a declaration and enforcement order regarding the future of Saddle Hill. If the process is successful the Court will not have to hear the applications in full.

The Council is applying to the Court to seek clarity over the extent of quarrying that can be undertaken. This involves identifying and clarifying any rights under a resource consent and existing use rights. The Council’s primary goal is to recognise the skyline of the hill is important and should be protected. The application recognises that some quarrying may be undertaken without compromising the skyline profile.

There has been mediation between representatives for the Council, and representatives for the owners and operators of the Saddle Hill Quarry. This process is on-going. The parties have differences but each has gained a better understanding of the issues and respective positions. A working party will engage in more discussion.

Interim restrictions were agreed to allow for quarrying to meet existing agreements with customers while the matter is resolved. In order to provide for the safety of workers the Council accepts that the upper slopes will need to be cleared of loose material. In doing this the quarry owner accepts that the skyline outer rim should be retained while discussion is ongoing. The lower slopes may be worked while a final resolution is sought.

Protection of the skyline profile remains the priority for the Council.

A short postponement will be sought from the Court to allow for mediation to be completed. If a mediated agreement is not reached the entire matter will have to be considered and decided by the Environment Court.