Development Plan Identifies Need for Managed Rural Subdivision

A need to manage the growth of rural subdivisions has been identified as a major concern to residents during consultation on the Horowhenua District Council's draft Development Plan.

The Development Plan consultation process reached the stage where two rounds of options and consultation about growth strategy and locations was put to the community.

It identified a need to manage rural subdivisions through the introduction of pre-targeted subdivision, known as greenbelt areas, located adjacent to existing urban areas, and proposed the balance of rural areas be subject to a more restrictive regime of subdivision.

The outcome of Development Plan consultation is not consistent with current District Plan objectives, policies and rules whereby rural subdivision is largely determined by soil classification.

Chief Executive David Ward said feedback from consultation to date was generally in support of the strategy.

"There would be exceptions to this overall management approach, for instance, where there are existing farm houses or conservation values, but these will be tightly controlled so as not to undermine the integrity of the development strategy," he said.

The strategy and options agreed by Council so far within the current draft Plan is leading toward a scheme to make limiting rather than permissive subdivision of rural land.

However, in response to the anticipated demand for smaller rural properties from 2000m2 to 5000m2, nominated locations primarily around existing settlements were identified in the draft Development Plan for rural subdivision.

The Council would discuss a proposed change to the current District Plan to encompass recommendations brought about by draft Development Plan consultation at its 4.15pm meeting tonight (Wednesday 2 April 2008).

For more information:

Phone David Ward, Chief Executive, or Colleen Sheldon, communications officer on 366-0999.