Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon has said he is disappointed Wolfbrook intends to use the fast track process to seek residential zoning for the Pegasus Golf Course.

Gordon said the council had received confirmation today of Wolfbrook’s intention to apply for the land to be rezoned.

“This is disappointing news for the thousands of residents and supporters who want to see this important community asset protected,” Gordon said.

The 18 hole, 77 hectare course sits on land currently held under a Special Purpose Zone, set aside for the resort amenities once promised to the township rather than for housing.

Turning it into homes requires a rezoning, which can be achieved either through a private plan change or a fast track application.

Wolfbrook, a Christchurch based developer, bought the course for a reported $6 million to $7 million after its previous owner, Pegasus Golf Ltd, was placed in voluntary liquidation on 6 March owing creditors about $9 million.

The course opened in late 2009 as part of Pegasus, which was promoted as New Zealand’s first master planned greenfield town. A volunteer group known as the Pegasus Guardians has kept the course playable since maintenance ceased in March.

Wolfbrook has said it wants to manage the change from golf course to housing carefully while helping to address demand for homes across Waimakariri and the wider Christchurch region.

More than 15,000 people have signed a petition opposing housing development on the site, highlighting the strength of feeling within the community. Public meetings and community-led campaigns have also been held in recent months, reflecting widespread concern about the potential loss of open space and increased pressure on local infrastructure.

Gordon said he had co-signed a letter with community representatives to the Minister responsible for fast track approvals, urging that any application to convert the land into housing be declined.

“Council’s view is clear: developments that sit outside established growth areas, identified in our recently consulted on and adopted District Plan, and which have previously been considered and rejected through district planning or other Resource Management Act processes, should not be eligible for the fast track pathway,” Gordon said.

He added that the fast track process, introduced to accelerate certain developments, was not intended to override carefully developed local planning frameworks or community input.

However, he said any decision on an application would ultimately rest with Ministers.

Gordon said the council was continuing to work with the Pegasus Residents Group Inc, local businesses and community members to explore a community led purchase of the golf course.

“If a viable proposal can be assembled, we intend to present it to Wolfbrook as an alternative to development,” he said.

He noted that such a proposal would likely require a combination of community fundraising, potential partnerships, and support from external stakeholders to be successful.

“The community has spoken loudly and clearly. We will continue advocating for the protection of this unique open space and support efforts to keep it in community use for future generations.”