A controversial proposal to build residential properties on Coromandel's New Chum Beach has been scrapped.
Visitors to New Chum (Wainuiototo) Beach in April 2010 Photo: RNZ 'Insight' - John Barr
The Thames-Coromandel District Council has confirmed an application by Ross and Deidre Mear to develop 15 hectares of subdivision on Wainuiototo Beach has been withdrawn.
Proposals to build residential properties on the land have faced fierce public backlash for several years.
'Preserve New Chum For Everyone' campaign spokesperson John Drummond said it was a big win for the community.
"We think it's a great decision. We're relieved that the developer has decided to pull the pin and that New Chum has been saved again."
He said, now the last developer had pulled out, it was time for the Government to step in.
"If we don't get in and buy it now, then we will be up for application after application after application - and developers know that after a while they can wear you down.
"Now is the time for the Government and the people to buy this land and protect it forever."
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry declined to comment.
The Mears withdrew just one month after public hearings on the application closed.
In a letter sent to the council, the couple's lawyer, Ian Cowper, said they apologised for the inconvenience caused to the council, its commissioners and submitters.
