The Thames-Coromandel District Council says it will consider facilitating the purchase of the Hahei Holiday Resort if there's a 'groundswell of support” from the local community.

The TCDC says if support is there it would investigate the introduction of a "targeted rate for an area benefit" which would see certain ratepayers buying the site, with council facilitating the purchase.

The Hahei Holiday Resort has gone on the market this week. Image: Google Maps

Last week the resort's owners confirmed the 6.79ha privately owned site with a land capital value of $11.69 million across two titles will be going up for sale.

Mayor Glenn Leach says council appreciates the Hahei Holiday Resort is a prestigious spot and they recognise the high public interest in this area.

But from council's perspective they do not have the resource to purchase the land outright.

'If there's a groundswell of support from the local community wanting to purchase the land, this could be considered through a targeted rate for an area of benefit.

'Another option could be the community approaching regional and/or central government for funding - however we have been down this road with little success.”

Glenn adds: "When you consider the Coromandel as a whole there are also other significant pieces of land, with high public interest, that's under development pressure.”

When it comes to any development council is bound by legislation under the Resource Management Act.

But Glenn is encouraging all developers to approach council in the first instance so it can 'help facilitate the best outcome for everyone”.

'This is also taking into consideration the fact that we have to follow and abide by the RMA process.”

Glenn says there is a plan in place over the Hahei Holiday Resort which falls under council's Operative District Plan.

Within the Hahei Holiday Resort Structure Plan there are specific rules for specific areas on the property.

The plan allows for the provision of a wider, flexible range of tourism and traveller accommodation, which is responsive to changing tourism and travelling patterns and demands.

Development to a maximum height of 10m over central parts of the land, plus a maximum number of visitors per day of 1,275 people, is also stipulated within this plan.

While anyone buying the land has the right to apply for a subdivision, they will need to make sure their development is in accordance with this structure plan and would also be required to obtain resource consent.

Glenn says if someone looking to purchase the land wants to change the Hahei Holiday Resort Structure Plan, this would require a change to the district plan and would also involve public notification, submissions and a hearing.

'Where public notification is not required under the RMA, but the area in question is of high public interest we would still be pushing for public notification.”

The Hahei Holiday Resort is the second well-known Coromandel destination to be put up for sale recently, with the 1.6622ha Whangamata Motor Camp placed on the market in March.

What are your thoughts about the Hahei Holiday Resort going up for sale? Post your comments below.