Eco-village gets approved

The first stage of the planned Atamai eco-village in the Motueka Valley was granted resource consent this week.

It allows the subdivision of land on Mytton Heights, 7km from Motueka, into 10 lots of between 0.5ha and 1.07ha.

The 10 houses to be constructed will be the first stage of a proposed European-style village which will incorporate sustainable development features such as solar panels, roof rainwater collection and composting toilets.

The sections will take up just under 10ha, with the remaining 11.9ha to be used as part of a "collective food commons".

The Atamai Village Council, which owns about 30ha in Mytton Heights, with another contiguous 69ha owned by groups related to the council, is intending to keep about 80ha entirely rural. If the first stage is successful, the developers intend to develop a second stage of about 30 sections, which is not covered by the current consent.

Although many of the Mytton Heights neighbours had made submissions objecting to consent being granted, in its decision the environment and planning subcommittee of the Tasman District Council said the proposal "should not cause any significant adverse effects on the adjoining residential properties".

- © Fairfax NZ News