Development is set to continue along the western arm of Lake Wanaka after consent to build Roy's Peak Lodge, a two-storey visitor accommodation lodge and wedding venue, was granted last week, but with conditions. Gavin and Jacquetta George, of Auckland, had applied to build a 640sqm, two-storey building in an outstanding natural landscape area on their 17ha property on the Mt Aspiring Rd side of Lake Wanaka, west of Waterfall Creek. They proposed to offer accommodation and coaching packages to sports and special interest groups and to hold up to 26 weddings or private functions a year. The application was opposed by the Upper Clutha Environment Society and four neighbours, including Garth Hogan, who said due to the usually dark nature of the rural-general zoned area, functions would create light akin to "Battlestar Galactica landing''. Independent commissioner Bob Nixon heard the application in December and granted the approval with conditions relating to the rate of occupancy, noise, lighting, landscaping and hours of operation.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 24, 2017 17:06 UTC