Michael Hill cleared to build residential bunkers

Jeweller Michael Hill has permission to build residential bunkers on his Arrowtown golf course.

Independent commissioners yesterday granted resource consent to build 17 subterranean houses on and around the swish The Hills Golf Course in Central Otago.

The approval goes against the recommendation by Queenstown Lakes District Council planners that the application be declined.

However, tight conditions have been imposed on the way residents can use their outdoor space, the Southland Times reported.

"Very stringent controls are also proposed on the use of each house site, to the extent that apart from placing outdoor furniture on a limited-sized area around each house, virtually nothing else can occur," the commissioners said.

"Use of the house lots for the normal trappings of domesticity such as trampolines, spa pools and so forth, will be prohibited."

The houses will have floor areas up to 700 square metres and will take one of seven designs. Some include lap pools, wine cellars, libraries, outdoor fireplaces and/or courtyards.

Most will be built below a ridge southwest of the golf course and a handful will be tucked between fairways.

Mr Hill said the design shied away from the resort-style courses that were popular in the United States - a colonial clubhouse at the 18th hole and houses along the fairways.

"We want it to be like a Scottish course, where you see nothing. These homes will be invisible."

- NZPA