Fight over Russian billionaire's Northland plan

The path will allow access to a gamefishing launch at a pontoon. File photo / Glenn Jeffrey

A Russian billionaire wants to build a 230m concrete path across coastal rocks so he can go deep-sea fishing from his Northland getaway.

The Department of Conservation and Historic Places Trust are opposing the resource consent application to build the path and a floating pontoon.

However, the Northland Regional Council is recommending it be approved, provided the path and pontoon blend with the local environment.

Several conditions are recommended to ensure the proposal's effects on the environment are minor.

It is believed the application pertains to a Helena Bay property owned by Russian-owned Abramov Family Trust, which is in turn linked to Alexander Abramov, a Russian steel billionaire.

The application says the property owner is a keen fisherman and wants to build the path and 4m x 14m pontoon on the eastern side of Otara Bay, near Helena Bay.

The 230m path would hug a cliff base, be big enough to accommodate a quad bike and be coloured and textured to match the rocks.

It would allow access to a gamefishing launch at the pontoon during the owner's twice-yearly visits to the property.

The pathway would enhance public access and in "no way provide restrictions or diminished access", the application says.

However, DoC and the Historic Places Trust say the plan will have more than minor effects on the environment and is contrary to parts of the Resource Management Act.

The application will be heard on Monday.

- APN