Controversial development plan for Pegasus Golf Course declined fast-track approval

The Minister for Infrastructure has declined to refer a controversial plan to rip up Canterbury's Pegasus Golf Course for fast-track approval.

The property developer Wolfbrook bought the 18-hole course in May and planned to redevelop the land into 1000 homes and a mixed-use commercial and community area

A decision released on Wednesday on the Fast Track website said the Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop was not referring the project to the fast-track.

It said if a project was not referred, the applicant may apply for referral again.

"This is considered a new application, subject to fees and charges."

In its notice of decisions letter, Fast Track said the project could only be accepted if the minister was satisfied the criteria in section 22 was met, which included "'being satisfied the project was an infrastructure or development project that would have significant regional or national benefits."

"...and referring the project to the fast-track approvals process would facilitate the project, including by enabling it to be processed in a more timely and cost-effective way than under normal processes and is unlikely to materially affect the efficient operation of the fast-track approvals process.

"Additionally, the minister has the discretion to decline a referral application for any other reason, whether or not the project meets the criteria in section 22 of the Act," it said.

"The minister considered it would be more appropriate to deal with the matters that would be authorised by the proposed approvals under another Act or Acts."