Hearing committee approves consents for new Taupo subdivision

An Environment Waikato hearing committee has approved resource consents
related to earthworks, waste water and water supply for a new
development on the fringe of Lake Taupo, finding they are unlikely to
have adverse environmental effects.

Sade Developments aims to create a 345-hectare farm park on Whakaroa Rd
at Savannah Bay High Country Estate, Kinloch. The company also plans to
build 86 houses and associated community facilities on the land, which
forms part of a headland protruding into Lake Taupo.

It applied to Environment Waikato for resource consents relating to
earthworks, ground water takes and waste water discharges last November.
It also applied to Taupo District Council for resource consents relating
to land use and construction of the buildings.

Hearing committees appointed by Environment Waikato and Taupo District
Council assessed the applications at a joint hearing in Taupo from
December 10-13.

The information below relates only to Environment Waikato's hearing
committee decision.

After visiting the site Environment Waikato's committee determined any
visual effects of the proposed earthworks would be minimal and
temporary.

"The site inspection also identified that the location of proposed
building platforms associated with dwellings are sensibly located and
are likely to significantly reduce off site visual effects," the
committee noted in its report.

The committee noted the proposed treatment from all systems "was to a
very high level" and was also satisfied nitrogen entering the lake from
the future farming activities within the farm park would be addressed
via a new land use consent process.

"Overall, the committee noted that the water cycle is complete in that
the groundwater taken is discharged back into the ground either via
storm water or the highly treated wastewater discharges and over time
this will replenish the aquifers and subsequently the lake resources,"
the report said.

After carefully considering all evidence, the committee found the
applications were consistent with the Resource Management Act and would
enhance community well being while:

* sustaining the potential of natural and physical resources
* safeguarding the life supporting capacity of air, water, soil
and ecosystems
* avoiding, remedying or mitigating any adverse effects of these
activities on the environment.

The Environment Waikato hearing committee granted the applications
subject to a range of resource consent conditions.