A key Queenstown Lakes District planning document will be notified this weekend for public submission.

"This is one of the most significant zoning issue before the Wakatipu community since the District Plan was notified. This process, which is the culmination of several years of planning, allows the community to have final input into the way a significant part of Frankton will be developed into the future," QLDC Mayor Clive Geddes said.

"There are a number of key activities and important proposals for Frankton, it is our intention that the sound planning solution for Frankton Flats is to bring all the landowners together and deal with the area in a holistic planning and zoning exercise," Mr Geddes said.

The planning process before the Environment Court involves all the major landowners on the northern side of Frankton Flats between the airport and the state highway, covering an area of 69.16ha.

"A set of proposed rules has been placed before the Court. All parties appreciate that the Court is making a process available for this complex matter," Mr Geddes said.

The proposed zone contains provision for a village centre, heavy and light industrial (identified in the Options 2020 process as lacking) residential, visitor and short term accommodation, recreational and an education precinct.

"The planning of this piece of land is important enough to warrant that we hold a special briefing or workshop on the proposal and the process at the Event Centre on December 6 at 6pm" Mr Geddes said.

The Environment Court Section 293 process included an obligation on the Council to publicise the proposed rules and allow for community input. The proposed zone and rules would be notified this weekend and would be on the Council website from Monday or people could pick up a copy from either a Council of CivicCorp office.

Anyone at all can write a submission to the court, there's no cost and there's no onus to stand up in court and speak, although that option is open to any member of the community.

People should not be intimidated by this process; it's a very public process. The Council is very happy to provide further information or assistance, Mr Geddes said.

"I really encourage anyone interested to find out what is being proposed here and let their opinion be known," Mr Geddes said.

The notice contained a complete guide to how to make a submission. Submissions would close on December 24, 2004 with a pre-hearing conference set down for January 17 at Queenstown.

ENDS

For further information please contact Clive Geddes 03 441 0499.

By: Kiri