Hill free to build underground houses

Michael Hill is free to build 17 underground houses on and around his Arrowtown golf course after the appeal period closed with no appeals lodged.

The jewellery entrepreneur received resource consent in June to build the luxury subterranean dwellings at The Hills golf course.

Yesterday, he said the project would contribute to the landscape environment and become internationally recognised. "These unique dwellings are designed to be totally in harmony with nature, blending seamlessly with the local landscape without the usual clutter of fairways lined with endless homes and apartments."

The house sizes would range from 367 to 700 square metres.

Some would include lap pools, wine cellars, libraries and outdoor fireplaces and/or courtyards.

Under the consent, construction could take up to 10 years, following the turning of the first sod.

Course spokesman Sam Gent said she was unsure when construction would begin but it was "very unlikely" it would be before the 2010 New Zealand Golf Open, which would be staged at the course in January.

The first step would be to build roads and infrastructure into the home sites.

When asked whether construction would impact on future tournaments, Ms Gent said it was more likely the upgraded infrastructure would benefit organisers.

Only one house site was located close to fairways, she said.

The prices of the homes were yet to be decided but all were likely to be marketed through The Hills course.

Under consent conditions, Mr Hill was required to build a local community reserve and play area on McDonnell Rd but Ms Gent did not know when this would happen.

Patterson Associates director Andrew Patterson said the firm could begin working on detailed interiors.

"It's just magnificent being able to design some buildings to fit the New Zealand landscape.

"We've got an amazing natural environment and we need a built environment to match it."

- © Fairfax NZ News