Submissions close soon on district plan
Want to have input into what you can do with your land? The Waikato District Council is seeking submissions on its Proposed Waikato District Plan but time is running out.
Submissions have been open since July 18 and close at 5pm on Tuesday 9 October 2018.
The Proposed Waikato District Plan (Stage 1) establishes the guidelines for future growth and development, including rules for protecting the district’s environment and heritage.
It also gives guidance to landowners about what they can do with their land – where a garage can be on the section and how many storeys the house can be depending on where it is in the district.
Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson said the Plan provides a new spatial vision for the future development of communities. “We look forward to receiving submissions from all community interests as we work towards finalising it.”
The Plan also protects the district’s culture and heritage and has ways to encourage development on Maori Freehold Land with papakaainga housing developments. It also protects valuable productive land and restricts further fragmentation of high-class soils.
Up until now, the district has had two different sections of the Operative District Plan, planning provisions inherited from the Franklin District Council and one for the rest of the district. With the Proposed Plan, Waikato district will finally be united and have one set of planning rules and guidelines.
Reviewing the District Plan has been a long process which has involved numerous opportunities for the community to have their say, but making a formal submission on the Proposed Plan is one of the most important parts.
There are a number of changes between the current Operative Plan and the Proposed Plan, including:
• The adding of around 60 heritage sites and buildings, along with 16 notable trees to their respective lists. The rules have been amended to provide for ongoing maintenance and care or repair.
• A consistent residential zone and redeveloped village zone, along with three business zones and additional industrial zoned area in Huntly.
• Under the Taangata Whenua chapter, flexible provisions have been created that give more options for those with Maaori Freehold Land.
Council encourages everyone to make a submission online, but hard copies of the submission forms are also available from all Council offices, libraries and by phoning 0800 492 452 to request one.
For more information click here.
