Mayor hails decision as community victory
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon has welcomed Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop's decision to decline the fast-track referral for the Pegasus Golf Course redevelopment, describing it as a "wonderful win" for the community. The decision blocks, at least for now, a proposal by property developer Wolfbrook to transform the 18-hole course in Canterbury into 1000 homes and a mixed-use commercial and community area.
Gordon praised the Pegasus Residents' Group, whose campaign included gathering more than 16,000 signatures and taking their case to Parliament. "They organised, advocated, gathered more than 16,000 signatures and took their case all the way to Parliament. This result belongs first and foremost to them and the community," he said.
Developer vows to press on
Wolfbrook, which bought the golf course in a mortgagee sale in May and applied for fast-track consideration last month, has vowed to continue its efforts to build housing on the site. The company has unveiled its vision for the 77.66-hectare site, signalling its determination to pursue the project despite the ministerial decision.
The fast-track process, introduced under recent legislation, allows certain projects to bypass standard resource consent procedures. Wolfbrook's application was for referral under this process, which would have potentially expedited the development.
Residents cautious despite 'round one' win
Pegasus Residents' Group president Matt James expressed delight at the decision but urged caution, noting that the developers still have the right to appeal. "It was still round one," he told Morning Report, adding that "round two might still be in the offing."
James explained that opposition to the development was rooted in the area's master plan concept, under which the golf course had special purpose zoning. Residents, who had invested in properties based on the belief that the land was protected, feared the golf course would not remain part of the community.
The campaign had revealed a broader pattern, James said, with many communities across the country facing similar issues. He argued that developers had found a "loophole" under Fast Track legislation to "push hard on developments" without undergoing the scrutiny they would have experienced under the Resource Management Act process.
"The community doesn't even get a guaranteed voice in any process that's to go forward," he said, adding that fast-track should be limited to infrastructure such as roading, not used for developments like the Pegasus proposal.
James also noted that the District Plan had been reviewed last year, with planning for another 17,000 new homes in the area — enough for 30 years.
Mayor: fast-track for the right projects
Mayor Gordon commended Minister Bishop for listening to the community. He also drew attention to the proposed Ohoka development, which remains before fast-track despite having been declined twice through established planning processes.
Gordon said the Waimakariri District Council supports fast-track for complex projects of regional or national significance, such as the Woodend Bypass, but not for wholesale residential developments that ignore district plans.