Golf resort gets planning consent

Resource Consents have been approved for a new coastal golf resort and residential development on a 188-hectare site on the Purerua Peninsula in the Far North.

The Lion Rock project on completion will give the Far North its third major golf resort alongside the internationally renown Carrington and Kauri Cliffs developments.

The development proposal initiated by Lion Rock Golf Course Ltd seeks to provide:-

 

• A full 18-hole international standard golf course developed in two stages
• Clubhouse and lodge
• Accommodation for guests in 18 visitor accommodation buildings
• Management accommodation, workshops and garages
• Up to 30 rural-residential lots.
  

The development will provide for the extension of the sealed section of Purerua Road to the site entrance and will provide its own water and wastewater services.

As part of an agreement with the Far North District Council, the company will also assist with the provision of long-awaited public access to the Taronui Reserve and beachfront.

In a decision released recently Far North District Council Resource Consents Manager Pat Killalea said the council was satisfied that the applicant, through its detailed technical reports, had demonstrated that the actual and potentially adverse effects of the development had been mitigated and that a "positive environmental enhancement" would be achieved.

The project provided for a level of land use consistent with the natural character of the area and no buildings would be located on parts of the site identified as Outstanding Landscape.

"The proposal enjoys the written approval of all adjoining neighbours and of the relevant iwi representatives covering the interests of Ngati Torehina Ki Mataka and Te Rununga o Ngati Rehia. Separate and specific consultation with the Department of Conservation has achieved an agreement reflected in the staging of the proposal," he said.

The proposal met the environmental outcomes expected for management plan subdivisions, he said.

Conditions have been applied to the consent including bonds to ensure that the conditions are completed, including the landscaping and re-vegetation requirements.