Court forces walking track to close, trustee says

An Environment Court ruling has forced a Wanaka family to close a popular walking track on their land, it has been claimed.

Dublin Downs trustee Robert Wilson said consent for a small two-section subdivision on their farm was declined, because the houses could be seen from a private footway the family has allowed the public to use.

The Queenstown Lakes District Plan discourages development of rural land that is visible from a public place.

Mr Wilson said that according to the Resource Management Act, his family had to close the track and reapply for subdivision consent. Only when consent was granted could they consider reopening the walkway.

He said there were serious implications for landowners, if public walkways on private properties are considered to be public places.

- NEWSTALK ZB