An application by the Queenstown Golf Course, situated on Kelvin Heights, to undertake landscaping on the western side of the golf course has been approved, subject to conditions, Queenstown Lakes District Council parks manager Gordon Bailey said.

"The work will be carried out in such a way as to afford the least visual impact .There will be some tree clearance and some significant re planting," Mr Bailey said.

The new trees would reflect the autumn colours, consistent with other trees on the golf course. It was important that the "forest feel" of the area was maintained, he said.

"This is not a licence to clear fell however a number of poor specimen trees will be removed. Some patience will be required as new planting is established," Mr Bailey said.

A stand of blue gums would not be touched at all and other good specimen would be retained in the area, including Douglas Fir and other exotic trees.

Part of the plan involved an area of land being clean filled and planted.

"That element of the project will still require resource consent," Mr Bailey said.

A buffer of 5m of tree screening would remain on the lakeside throughout the period of work.

ENDS

For more information please contact Gordon Bailey 03 441 0499.

By: Sarah