Further consent is needed before plans to build a rocket launch facility on the Canterbury coast can go ahead, despite the developers announcing a deal with NASA.
Rocket Lab chief executive Peter Beck. Photo: Rocket Lab
The Canterbury Regional Council has granted the Auckland-based Rocket Lab three consents for its proposed launch facility on Kaitorete Spit, but still needs resource consent from the Christchurch City Council.
Rocket Lab has announced a deal with NASA which will give customers wanting to launch satellites into space a choice between Kaitorete Spit on Lake Ellesmere, or Cape Canaveral, in Florida.
But the company is still waiting on approval from the city council before construction can start.
A council spokesman said the consent application was lodged last week but was on hold while Rocket Lab completed a cultural impact assessment of its chosen site.
The application will be determined by an independent planning commissioner.
