KEY POINTS:
A decision on whether Whangarei's Zion Wildlife Gardens - home of TV's "Lion Man" - get approval to stay open is expected within weeks.
It was revealed in August that the park, which catapulted Whangarei man Craig Busch into international fame, had been issued with an abatement notice.
The Whangarei District Council issued the notice after the park was found to be in breach of the conditions of the certificate of compliance it was issued when granted consent in 2002.
But it was allowed to stay open.
The breaches relate to the number of vehicles travelling to and from the park in Gray Rd, Kamo, and the parking available.
The council staff have recommended the application to stay open be approved, with conditions.
The application is to continue to operate an existing tourist facility and to develop it further, including legalising the existing buildings and structures as well as providing for future expansion.
The proposal also requires land use consent for the infringements related to traffic movements, signage, gross floor area, residential units, formation standards and parking spaces.
Of the 25 submissions received after public notification, two were in favour of the application and 22 were against.
The main objections related to amenity, traffic safety and noise.
Council resource consents manager Alister Hartstone said independent commissioners had 15 working days from the conclusion of hearings to issue a decision.
- Northern Advocate
