Consultation on proposed St Leger growth cell to begin

7 June 2013
Waipa District Council will soon begin consulting with the community about the development of a proposed rural residential growth cell' to the west of Kihikihi.

An area of 180 hectares, which sits mostly between the existing Kihikihi town boundary and St Leger Road, has been identified as an area with potential for rural residential development in the 2050 Waipa District Growth Strategy.

The council's Strategic Planning and Policy Committee this week agreed to begin consulting with key stakeholders including landowners, iwi and the Kihikihi community about the proposal.

We're looking forward to talking to the community and getting their feedback on the St Leger growth cell proposal, said Planning and Community Relationships Group Manager David Hall.

It's important to ensure that if we do move to develop the St Leger growth cell that this occurs in a managed fashion which takes into account the needs of the landowners, iwi and the wider Kihikihi community, he said.

The council has prepared a draft concept plan which looks at some of the key issues which need to be considered as part of the St Leger proposal.

These include;

• Providing a road network plan to ensure sufficient links to both St Leger Road and the Kihikihi town centre.
• Ensuring there is a network of reserves to preserve open spaces and provide recreation facilities.
• Ensuring development compliments existing residential areas adjacent to the growth cell.

Following consultation, if the proposal proceeds, a structure plan will be prepared and incorporated into the District Plan.