Stink bad news for plan?

LAWRENCE GULLERY
A total of 26 public submissions today will be heard by an independent commissioner who will decide whether a proposed 114-home development at Hawke's Bay Golf Club will be approved.
A four-day hearing into the Ngatarawa Golf Estate proposal moved into its third day today.
Yesterday morning, legal counsel for Ngatarawa Development Trust, Alison McEwan, concluded the applicant's case in favour of the proposal.
Commissioner Alan Watson and other submitters completed a tour of the development site yesterday afternoon. It included visits to the golf club and neighbouring Hastings Aerodrome and Hawke's Bay Equestrian Park.
The equestrian park's treasurer, Peter Lyons, told those on the site visit there was concern that people living in a neighbouring development would complain about regular events at the park.
Mr Lyons said a loudspeaker system used for cross-country events, social events held at the park's hall and manure from horses were three problems he could see if a nearby development was built.
"The main hall is hired out for various functions, like prize giving. Young people like to come in and set up their speaker systems because there's no one out here (for the noise to disturb)."
Mr Lyons said one of the park's paddocks was hired out for agistment, which was the park's main source of income.
"They have to clean up their own manure, and that can be a big problem. We can have up to 600 horses here at a big event and all the manure is put in a big dump. It does attract flies and smells," he said.
Hastings Aerodrome quality assurance manager Mike Groome led the site visit around the aerodrome to show where two runways, one grass, the other sealed, bordered the Hawke's Bay Golf Club.
Mr Watson and the others on the tour were able to view aircraft taking off and the flight path, which crosses over the top of the proposed development.
Hawke's Bay Golf Club manager Kerry Brosnan led the site tour through the golf course where the major housing developments were proposed.
The residential homes are planned at four locations at the golf club; the two major sites are at the western and eastern ends, while the other two are planned near the centre of the course.
Mr Brosnan said media coverage had confused club members into thinking the development had been canned.
A report by a Hastings District Council consultant had recommended the development be declined.
"I've been bombarded with calls and have had to explain to people (club members) it's only a consultant's recommendation and that a decision can't be made until after the hearing is completed," Mr Brosnan said.
Club members still showed a keen interest in backing the proposed development, he said.