Pipeline opposition ignited P3
School documentary screening P10
Rural round-up P21-28
May 27, 2024
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If the solar farm proposal goes ahead, the rural backdrop behind Brett and Kim Montefiore’s property is part of the area that could be covered with panels.
Solar farm seeks fast-track approval The company planning to develop a largescale solar energy farm near Wellsford has lodged an application under the government’s pending fast-track consent legislation. If greenlighted for fast-track approval, Energy Farms’ project would bypass the usual notification process, under which councils invite submissions from affected and interested parties and hold a public hearing.
The news has stunned the owners of adjoining properties, who strongly oppose the solar farm and worry they may not have the opportunity to air their concerns. Late last year, Energy Farms chief executive Todd Wilson said the company planned to apply for resource consent from Auckland Council, and intended for the process to be fully notified (MM, Nov 20).
This month, however, after a council spokesperson confirmed it had still not received a consent application, Wilson told the paper that the company had opted instead for the Fast Track Approvals Bill route, on the advice of its planners. “The new bill provides more certainty around assessment completion timeframes, stating that if a decision has not been made within 12 months, the application will
automatically be granted,” Wilson said. The company lodged its submission before a May 3 closing date for projects to be included in the legislation, and was now awaiting the outcome, he said. Energy Farms wants to build a 150,000-panel, 76MW solar farm on a 260 hectare site south-west of the town. Wilson continued page 2
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