A project is currently underway to explore whether changes to the District Plan are needed to address future development in the wider Wainui/Okitu area.
The need for the project was first identified in the Urban Coastal Strategy 2005, which recommended the council review development controls in Wainui/Okitu with the aim of maintaining and enhancing the character of the area. The strategy also signalled that further residential development potential would be investigated.
To help with these tasks, the council commissioned a report to help identify possible options and opportunities. An open day was held at Wainui School in September 2006 to discuss the ideas in the landscape assessment.
Then in November 2007 an update report summarising the results of consultation (available from the link below) was presented to council and the council agreed on the next steps to take. The first priority was to review the controls on development in the existing residential zone. This was been progressed with the notification of Proposed Plan Change 37, which introduces special height rules and minimum lot size rules, etc for Wainui/Okitu, as well as design guidelines for the wider Wainui/Okitu area refer to District Plan Variations and Plan Changes). Submissions are now being received on the proposals.
As a second priority a structure plan and residential zone change proposals will be developed for the Lloyd George Road area. The structure plan would look at issues such as stormwater management and access to properties.
Contact: Kim Smith (06) 867 2049 extn 8751
Email: kim@gdc.govt.nz
