[Jarden S]

Way cleared for airport project

A plan change paving the way for the $450 million redevelopment of Paraparaumu Airport has been given the final all-clear by the Environment Court.

The court granted interim approval last month and finalised the decision this week after Paraparaumu Airport Ltd improved its aircraft noise management.

Airport owner Sir Noel Robinson welcomed the approval. "We are now looking forward to planning with certainty and moving quickly to bring our plans to fruition."

The company altered its noise management in response to recommendations by residents Ann Evans and Bernard Cammack in the appeal.

Sir Noel said the changes included altering helicopter flight training and hovering practices to reduce noise levels.

The company plans to upgrade its airfield and airspace management to accommodate Air New Zealand flights to Auckland and later Christchurch and develop a business park to ensure the airport's long-term financial viability.

In response to the court's decision, Air New Zealand confirmed its plans this week to start a new service between Paraparaumu and Auckland next October.

"First cab off the rank is to get the new air service operating," Sir Noel said. He hoped to have a resource consent application to build a new temporary terminal lodged with Kapiti Coast District Council before Christmas. Commercial development to support the aviation activity would then follow.

Labour's transport spokesman Darren Hughes and Kapiti Coast Mayor Jenny Rowan have been working with former airport landowners' descendants to negotiate a settlement over the Crown's failure to offer the airport back when it sold it in 1995.

Thirteen descendants had instructed their lawyer to go to the High Court to have about 85 hectares offered back.

Mr Hughes said he was hopeful agreement could be reached.