Local council members have found themselves at odds over a proposed access route through Amberley Beach Golf Course, sparking debate about development priorities and recreational space preservation.
The contentious issue centres on whether to permit a new roadway that would traverse the golf course grounds to service a nearby residential development. According to Stuff, supporters of the plan argue that the road is necessary infrastructure to facilitate housing growth in the area, while opponents raise concerns about the impact on the sporting venue and its users.
Those advocating for the road emphasise the community’s need for additional housing and the economic benefits that new development could bring to the region. They suggest that the golf course can accommodate the access route with minimal disruption to play and operations.
However, Hurunui District councillors opposing the proposal point to potential damage to the course layout and the precedent it would set for prioritising development over established recreational facilities. Some have questioned whether alternative routing options were thoroughly explored before settling on a path through the golf grounds.
The golf club management has also weighed in on the debate, expressing reservations about how construction and ongoing traffic might affect their operations and the experience of members and visitors.
The division among council members reflects broader tensions in many growing communities between accommodating new development and protecting existing amenities. The issue requires councillors to balance competing interests while considering long-term planning implications.
A final decision on the access road proposal is expected in the coming weeks, with council members likely to face continued pressure from both development advocates and recreation space defenders as they work toward a resolution.
