Clash of plans for Richmond land

A group of five landowners, called the Lower Queen St Group, has applied to the Tasman District Council for consent to subdivide about 100ha of rural land between Lower Queen St, McShane Rd and the Appleby Highway.

The proposal, which could cost up to $45 million, clashes with the council's own plans for a mix of business and light industry in half of the same area.

The group, which includes members of the Field family, made a presentation last week to the council, outlining the demand for housing in Nelson.

Land development consultant David Ward, who represented the group, said population growth in the region was outstripping predictions.

Flat land in Nelson city would be fully developed in three years, and the demand for affordable housing was switching to Richmond.

Mr Ward said most of the proposed subdivision lay within 1.5km of the town centre, and it would provide a more compact town with a smaller "ecological footprint" than any other option.

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