I can understand why people living at Pegasus, north of Christchurch, are upset about the golf course there being sold to a large property developer.

But, at the same time, how long can anyone expect the area they live in to stay the same?

And, while I might not make friends with the Pegasus people saying this, I think they are just going to have to accept it.

What happened is we got a tip-off earlier this week that the golf course was about to be sold.

The resort-style golf club opened in 2009 and was one of the key attractions for people who moved there, but the club went belly up in March, owing about $9 million to creditors.

We were also told earlier this week that there was a plan to use the Government’s fast-track legislation to get houses built on the land.

So our newsroom started looking into it. The Waimakariri Council said it was news to them. They said they hadn’t been approached about rezoning the land, and they knew nothing about it being fast-tracked.

There was nothing about it on the Government’s fast-track website either.

Then we found out that the deal on the land is due to be signed today, so maybe that will be the catalyst for trying to get it all fast-tracked.

Much of the property would have to be rezoned for housing before it could be fully developed. I gather the first two holes on the course, as well as the clubhouse and the driving range, were rezoned by previous owners who had planned to build a resort and a hotel there.

A housing development is not what Pegasus residents saw happening. They are gutted. “Heartbroken” is another way they’re describing the way they’re feeling.

The question this all raises, though, is how long can we expect the areas we live in to stay the same?

Whether we like it or not, I think it’s unreasonable to expect no change.

The concerns people in Pegasus have about a housing development swamping the golf course and changing the nature or the vibe of the area where they live aren’t limited to Pegasus.

And, yes, I’m sure having that big green area at Pegasus must be great.

But nothing stays the same forever, wherever you live.

LISTEN ABOVE

I can understand why people living at Pegasus, north of Christchurch, are upset about the golf course there being sold to a large property developer.
But, at the same time, how long can anyone expect the area they live in to stay the same?
And, while I might not make friends with the Pegasus people saying this, I think they are just going to have to accept it.
What happened is we got a tip-off earlier this week that the golf course was about to be sold.
The resort-style golf club opened in 2009 and was one of the key attractions for people who moved there, but the club went belly up in March, owing about $9 million to creditors.
We were also told earlier this week that there was a plan to use the Government’s fast-track legislation to get houses built on the land.
So our newsroom started looking into it. The Waimakariri Council said it was news to them. They said they hadn’t been approached about rezoning the land, and they knew nothing about it being fast-tracked.
There was nothing about it on the Government’s fast-track website either.
Then we found out that the deal on the land is due to be signed today, so maybe that will be the catalyst for trying to get it all fast-tracked.
Much of the property would have to be rezoned for housing before it could be fully developed. I gather the first two holes on the course, as well as the clubhouse and the driving range, were rezoned by previous owners who had planned to build a resort and a hotel there.
A housing development is not what Pegasus residents saw happening. They are gutted. “Heartbroken” is another way they’re describing the way they’re feeling.
The question this all raises, though, is how long can we expect the areas we live in to stay the same?
Whether we like it or not, I think it’s unreasonable to expect no change.
The concerns people in Pegasus have about a housing development swamping the golf course and changing the nature or the vibe of the area where they live aren’t limited to Pegasus.
And, yes, I’m sure having that big green area at Pegasus must be great.
But nothing stays the same forever, wherever you live.
LISTEN ABOVE

Every weekday join the new voice of local issues on Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald, 9am-12pm weekdays.

It’s all about the conversation with John, as he gets right into the things that get our community talking.

If it’s news you’re after, backing John is the combined power of the Newstalk ZB and New Zealand Herald news teams. Meaning when it comes to covering breaking news – you will not beat local radio.

With two decades experience in communications based in Christchurch, John also has a deep understanding of and connections to the Christchurch and Canterbury commercial sector.

Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings 9am-12pm with John MacDonald on 100.1FM and iHeartRadio.

Every weekday join the new voice of local issues on Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald, 9am-12pm weekdays. It’s all about the conversation with John, as he gets right into the things that get our community talking. If it’s news you’re after, backing John is the combined power of the Newstalk ZB and New Zealand Herald news teams. Meaning when it comes to covering breaking news – you will not beat local radio. With two decades experience in communications based in Christchurch, John also has a deep understanding of and connections to the Christchurch and Canterbury commercial sector. Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings 9am-12pm with John MacDonald on 100.1FM and iHeartRadio.

Every weekday join the new voice of local issues on Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald, 9am-12pm weekdays.It’s all about the conversation with John, as he gets right into the things that get our community talking.

Canterbury Mornings with John MacDonald

John MacDonald: Neighbourhoods change. That's life.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7d3ff6d2-1254-441e-a7fc-b44b00054a08/transcript