Community speaks on housing intensification

Council has received 81 submissions on a government-mandated plan to fast-track housing density in Waipā neighbourhoods.

Of those submissions, most appear to have railed against proposals that will see drastic housing changes forced upon Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi.

Council announced the proposed change to its District Plan in early August, following a government directive that has forced some councils, including Waipā, to increase housing density by dramatically relaxing planning rules.

At the time, senior planning staff said the changes would be ‘tragic’ for Waipā’s small-town character.

A mail-out across the district was followed by three online webinars to explain the complex legislation and answer questions.

Group manager district growth and regulatory services Wayne Allan said it had been an emotive issue for residents, and staff had fielded multiple enquiries.

“It’s good to see submissions come in, but this is not a numbers game. Decisions under the Resource Management Act are made solely on merits and evidence, not on how many submissions are received.”

Formal submissions on the draft Plan Change 26 closed at 5 pm Friday 30th September, with a last-minute rush seeing 40 submissions received in the closing hours. Submissions have yet to be formally analysed, but Allan said the vast majority are expressing concern.

”During the submission process, it was clear residents were worried about issues that might affect their property, such as sunlight, privacy and views. And there was genuine concern about the potential for neighbours to build up to three houses, three storeys high, without their permission or resource consent. No doubt other issues will also be raised, although I’m sure there will also be some support.”

Council will now analyse the submissions and create a summary report on the changes people want made to Plan Change 26. The summary report will be publicly notified on or about 28th November and available on the Plan Change 26 web page. For two weeks, people are encouraged to make further submissions advising Council whether they agree or disagree with the amendments to Plan Change 26 requested by the community, as outlined in the report.

Meanwhile, feedback continues to be sought on other proposed changes to Council’s District Plan, including:

• Enabling industrial development at Hautapu, north of Cambridge (Proposed Plan Change 17). Submissions opened on Friday, September 30.
• Rezoning the Carter's Flat commercial and industrial area in Cambridge (Proposed Plan Change 19). Submissions close on October 6.
• Extending the Hamilton Airport Northern Precinct (Proposed Private Plan Change 20). Submissions close on October 28.

Search for Plan Changes on the Waipā District Council website to make a submission or find out more.