A decision on the Southern Parallel Equine Centre’s resource consent application will be known by May 10.

The Ashburton District Council appointed an independent to consider the application to develop a $200m equine stud and equestrian centre next to Lake Hood.

A hearing was held on April 9 where commissioner Graham Taylor heard supporting statements from the applicant and the concerns from the opposing submitters.

The discussions at the end of the hearing focused on what conditions to impose on the consent, suggesting it was likely to get approved.

Taylor adjourned the hearing to allow the applicants to prepare a right of reply and closed the hearing on April 18.

He is now preparing his decision which is expected to be released before May 10.

Meanwhile, another contentious resource application has had mediation in the Environment Court.

Methven Resort was granted consent, with a raft of conditions, for its planned extension by independent commissioner Darryl Millar on December 22 but neighbour Mark Brownlie filed an appeal on January 30.

Environment Court administered mediation between the parties - the council, the applicant, and Brownlie - was held on April 18 in Christchurch.

The mediation discussions allow the parties to confidentially discuss matters and attempt to find a resolution before a matter proceeds to a formal court hearing.

The parties can’t comment as it’s confidential under court order.

By Jonathan Leask