A company behind plans to build so-called factory dairy farms in the Mackenzie Country says although it has relodged land-use applications, it wants them put on hold.

The Environmental Defence Society – or EDS -  won a High Court challenge against the farming operation.

Richard Peacocke from Southern Holdings says the re-lodging of applications to the Waitaki District Council is to safeguard the project in the future.

He's concerned about what he says are plans by environmental groups asking the Government to create a dry land park in the Mackenzie Basin.

He says such a park would stymie Southern Holdings' plans for the dairy operation. The relodging would preempt those changes.

EDS chairman Gary Taylor says compliance certificates have been granted for farming work, including building dairy sheds and their ongoing expansion.

He says the society is considering filing new proceedings in the High Court.

“They’re basically reinforcing our key point, which is that the future of the MacKenzie basin is being decided ad hoc, by resource consent applications, by individuals with private interests,” said Mr. Taylor. “These are overriding the public interest and the strategically planned future for the MacKenzie.”           

Waitaki district Mayor Alex Familton says the council is yet to consider the application, or whether it should be notified to the public.