The originally application was then withdrawn and a second one later drawn up.
The first panel had concerns about the provision of water supply and wastewater management, transport infrastructure impacts and ecological effects.
It said it “was not at the requisite standard required for such a significant project which is in a future urban zone with no infrastructure connectivity”.
But significant changes have been made and in the latest decision, the project has been approved.
It has a large number of conditions on the 109ha site.
Those include building an on-site wastewater treatment plant and stormwater discharge system, keeping indigenous vegetation and constructing other infrastructure such as retaining walls, communal rain gardens and water pumps.
In making the decision, the panel said it invited comment from 22 parties, including supporters and opponents.
The decision means resource consent and archaeological approvals can be granted.
Auckland Council opposed the first application because it represented out-of-sequence growth, bringing forward planned development for both the council and Watercare by about 30 years.
It was also concerned about the gap between the required infrastructure for the project and development contributions, and a lack of funding certainty.
Twenty-three fast-track projects have been approved and granted consent by expert panels since the scheme began.
Katie Bradford is a Senior Correspondent at the Herald. She has been a broadcast journalist for over 20 years and was based in the press gallery for 10 years. She specialises in politics, business and Auckland issues.