Appeal Win Preserves Te Karo Bay Character

The consent for an approved 16 Lot subdivision at Te Karo Bay, north of Tairua, has been cancelled as a result of an appeal to the Environment Court by the Tairua Environment Society.

The consent for 16 Lots was granted by the Thames Coromandel District Council after two hearings in 2009.

An appeal was filed by TES in December 2009.

John Drummond, spokesperson for TES said “Our appeal was based around the negative effects the subdivision would have on Landscape, Vegetation ,the large Wetland and endangered species on the site. We engaged experts in Planning, Ecology, and Law and their combined evidence was so compelling the developer decided to withdraw his already approved consent.”

“During the negotiations the developer also agreed to withdraw his appeal of Plan Change 8 - the Plan Change to the TCDC District Plan that limits subdivision at Te Karo Bay. In return, TES agreed not to pursue costs against him.”
“Although our experts had already spent a considerable amount of time reading the developers evidence, visiting the site and preparing evidence, the Environment Court hearing would still be a significant further cost.” explained Mr Drummond.

“ Bringing our appeal of the subdivision to an end at this stage saved ourselves and Council tens of thousands of dollars and that outweighed any possible benefits of proceeding to the Court. The added bonus of solving the last appeal to the Plan Change means the changes can be included in the District Plan now.” he said.

“The withdrawal of the developer’s appeal of the Plan Change was an important part of our victory”, he added. “This appeal has been the only thing preventing the Plan Change and its protection of the area from being written into the District Plan.”

“While some new houses are yet to be built on existing lots at Te Karo Bay, new subdivisions will be very difficult to achieve and will be open to full public scrutiny and the appeal process. “

“This Plan Change will limit subdivision, provide greater protection of the outstanding landscape and preserve the natural character of the bay.”

“Its been a real team effort” said Mr Drummond, “with everybody playing an important role. Local people, Tairua Residents and Ratepayers Assoc., Tairua Pauanui Community Board, and Council over a period of 9 years.”

“Its a really positive outcome for the beautiful Te Karo bay .” he said.

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