A Hilton Hotel on the Outer T would contradict development plans for the waterfront, and the Resource Management Act, says the Wellington Civic Trust.

The Trust told the resource consent hearing last week that it undercuts the Wellington Waterfront Framework, developed in consultation with the community, and is illegal under the Resource Management Act.

The Trust does not oppose a five-star hotel on the waterfront, but the Outer T is the wrong place, says chairperson Di Buchan.

"The site no doubt provides a dramatic setting for a hotel providing fine views for those within. But that is at the expense of those without, and creates problems for all in terms of access and services," Buchan says.

"We are disappointed there has been no follow up on the proposals regarding the Shed 6 site and the southern end of the Events Centre, nor any discussion of the potential of the old Site 102, between the Whitmore Street gates and Shed 21," she says.

The Outer T is given special prominence in the Wellington Waterfront Framework, which outlines a coherent development plan for the entire waterfront. The Framework proposes a competition to explore options for an "iconic" structure on the site, along the lines of the Sydney Opera House.

This hotel is not an icon for the city, Buchan says.

"The stem of the Outer T is a major pedestrian circulation area and views from the top of the T are most expansive from anywhere on the waterfront promenade. It is a prime piece of public land, and the hotel will have adverse effects on the promenade – wind and traffic.

"It doesn’t comply with the Framework which recommends a design competition be held for that site. It is such an important site, and we could do much better in terms of a development that is suitable – and we could find a better location for a five star hotel."

The hotel does not comply with the Regional Coastal Plan, and policies for the Lambton Harbour Development Area, it also fails to meet the requirements of the Resource Management Act, the Trust said.

This is a view shared by Greater Wellington, the regional council, which also opposes the hotel.

"To the Hilton’s advantage it will impose itself on its surroundings – but to the detriment of the city’s form, the capital’s landscape and views," Buchan says.

"Other waterfront sites still offer fine views and more effectively meet the requirement of the legislation and the Waterfront Framework."

The hotel would increase traffic in the area by up to 450 vehicles a day, raising the possibility of injury to pedestrians. It may also threaten the viability of CentrePort operations, which require access to the southern arm of the Outer T.

Buchan is disappointed that the Wellington City Council is backing the development despite the issues.

"This piecemeal approach is bad planning and runs counter to the whole philosophy of sustainable resource management and the Waterfront Framework.

"The optimal outcome will be that the application is declined and Wellington Waterfront Ltd actually implement the commitment by the chief executive that they will have a design competition for the Outer T."

The commissioners hearing the resource consent application are Wellington Regional Councillors Chris Laidlaw and Chris Turver, iwi representative Miria Pomare, and independent commissioners David McMahon and Stuart Kinnear.