KEY POINTS:
Trouble is brewing over a massive commercial development planned for Omaha - the seaside holiday retreat of some of New Zealand's rich and famous including John Key, Trelise Cooper and Dean Barker.
Omaha Park wants to build more than 800 residential units, a 200-room hotel and shops on the southern end of the beach north of Auckland.
Omaha Beach Community president Graham Painter said the proposed development was "quite inappropriate, for a raft of reasons" and would more than double the resort's population.
"Omaha is not designed for that population explosion.
"There are infrastructural issues, such as roading, stormwater and sewerage and the effect on Whangateau Harbour, which is one of the most pristine in the north."
Painter also said the development would be an eyesore.
"Visually it will be a disaster. Are we going to build on every headland around the coast, from Whangaparaoa to North Cape over the next 50 years?"
The proposed development would cover 80 hectares of the 650ha site owned by Omaha Park. The company lodged its bid for a special development zone with the Rodney District Council 18 months ago.
The proposal was rejected, but the company is appealing the decision.
Several individuals missed the deadline to comment on the appeal, but the Environment Court has granted them an extension.
Explaining his decision, Judge Craig Thompson said: "There is nothing to lead me to believe that any progress the appeal has made towards resolution ... would be undone by allowing these parties to join."
One of the residents involved in the late application, Bill Abraham, welcomed the decision. He said Omaha's Park's 650ha landholding touched all four boundaries of his property.
"We missed the cut-off point, but it was pretty convincing. I think the case was well-presented."
Omaha Park's lawyer Andrew Green did not consider the ruling a setback: "It's just a procedural step, it doesn't worry us at all. This is not a fly-by-night proposal. Our experts are confident this is a proposal which warrants consent. We are boxing on."
Green said losing the appeal could force the firm to spread development over a larger part of the 650ha block.
"An abomination could be built on it under existing rules. You could break up this land and develop it, and it would look bloody ugly."
He said the current plan would protect outstanding natural features such as bush and wetlands covering 300ha of the block. Planting and landscaping would lessen the impact of the hotel.
John Key said he was aware of the proposal but needed to see the details.
"My main concern is people want to try to preserve the integrity of the place. Development can take place, as long as it maintains that slightly rural aspect."
Key said he bought property in Omaha when the only houses were at the northern end: "We wouldn't want to see every hill and knoll built on."
Trelise Cooper, who has a home at the southern end, said she had heard about the development but didn't know enough to comment.
Green hoped the appeal would be heard next year.
