Two major Matakana Island landowners have been accused of being "contradictory" by seeking more liberal subdivision controls than exist on the mainland.
Tauranga lawyer Paul Cooney was opening the Western Bay District Council's defence of its planning vision for the island.
The council has been challenged by the three major landowners of the forested side of Matakana. They are seeking greater flexibility around rules that focus on cultural and environmental safeguards to protect the island's "unique way of life".
Mr Cooney told the Environment Court that it seemed somewhat contradictory for the owners to acknowledge the special characteristics of the island, but to then seek more liberal subdivision controls for the forested side than existed on the mainland.
Developer Carrus Corp sought to remove the cap of one lot per 40 hectares in order to allow up to 200 houses to be built in the forests, nearly double what was permitted by council planning rules.