CPW hearings `should stay open'

Commissioners considering a $409 million irrigation scheme planned for Canterbury have been urged to leave the hearing open and hear further evidence.

Central Plains Water has applied for a series of consents to take and use water to irrigate farmland.

However, commissioners have foreshadowed rejecting a proposed dam and reservoir near Coalgate, 60km west of Christchurch, effectively reducing the scheme to run-of-river irrigation.

Central Plains lawyer Matthew Casey QC said at today's crucial hearing the project would change in terms of the timing and quantities of water taken.

"Having applied for a large scheme there's no reason why the application can't be granted in respect of a smaller scheme," he said.

"Provided what is proposed is within scope of the applications and not outside the range of the effects identified in my respectful submission there's clear jurisdiction."

Casey said Central Plains would explore other storage options.

In written submissions, opponents to the scheme, including the Director General of Conservation, Malvern Hills Protections Society, Forest and Bird and Ngai Tahu, said the hearing should be closed and a decision issued.