Andy Lowe has decided to fight on against the bill his Hill Country Corp received from the Hastings Council for the costs incurred by Council in considering his proposed private plan change for a town at Ocean Beach.
A few weeks ago, the independent commissioner who heard Hill Country’s initial appeal against the charge ruled that the bill was appropriate and must be paid in full. So, as it stands, Hill Country owes $287,339.89 to the Hastings Council … i.e. to the ratepayers.
Hill Country recently decided to withdraw an appeal it had initiated against HDC’s Plan Change 38. That plan change makes it tougher to carve up rural, including coastal, properties.
Looks like they’ve decided to fight over the money instead. The final stage appeal over HDC’s charge now goes before the Environment Court.
Stay tuned.
Tom Belford