Queenstown council halts 2400-home development over traffic fears

Friday, 30 July 2021

Many residents from Queenstown’s Lake Hayes Estate fear further development on the opposite side of the state highway will exacerbate traffic congestion.

A proposal to allow 2400 new homes to be built on the outskirts of Queenstown are on ice until traffic issues are resolved.

The population of the Queenstown Lakes District is expected to nearly double over the next 30 years from 41,000 to 78,000 and the number of homes to increase from 22,000 to 40,000.

The Queenstown Lakes area has a challenging housing market. (first published September, 2019)

* Concern development of nearly 600 homes near Queenstown will make traffic worse

* Over 2000 new homes could be built at Queenstown's Ladies Mile entrance

* Whistler-style affordable housing scheme proposed for Queenstown

However, a Queenstown Lakes District Council masterplan to allow 2400 new homes in the Te Pūtahi Ladies Mile area has met enormous public opposition.

The draft masterplan, which included seven-storey apartment blocks, a new high school and community facilities, attracted more than 500 submissions with 86 per cent opposed.

Most were concerned by the likely impact on traffic.

Resident Stuart Victor told councillors the development would cripple Queenstown. It could already take 45 minutes at peak hours to get from nearby Lake Hayes Estate and Shotover Country subdivision on to the state highway, he said.

However, supporter and resident Charlie Evans said she wanted to buy a home in the district, demand had never been higher and rents were climbing.

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult wants traffic solutions before more homes.

“If this is turned down due to people with the loudest voices who are not experts, this is a waste,” she said.

Council planning and development general manager Tony Avery said the plan was initiated because it was assumed landowners would proceed with development on what was a sunny and flat site.

He said the council wanted to lead the process to get a better outcome for the community, rather than see ad hoc development.

Councillor Calum MacLeod said traffic was not a problem in school holidays and the key to making the process work was the Ministry of Education. A transport mode shift was necessary, he said.

Councillor Glyn Lewers said young professionals who could not buy or build homes were being driven out of town.

“They don’t have a house and every one of us here does. I find it quite selfish.”

Mayor Jim Boult said he could not see how there could be any further development until the traffic and transport issues were resolved.

The traffic came from the subdivision as well as Arrowtown, Wanaka and Cromwell.

“We need to effectively put some brakes on this until we have a solution to traffic problems.”

The council voted to note the plan but full implementation was dependent on transport interventions.

They sought further information to be considered at the October council meeting.

The district is one of the most unaffordable places to live in New Zealand with the average house price now at $1,364,419.

About 750 households are on the waiting list for the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust.

The council agreed to consult the public on a proposed requirement for developers to provide a portion of land for affordable housing.