Increasing housing capacity in the district was a topic of discussion at today’s (7 December) Environment Energy and Resilience Committee meeting.
Council approved to publicly notify Plan Change 8, which would rezone land at 12 Huna Road (more commonly known as Julians Berry Farm), 30A Huna Road and 234A State Highway 30 to allow residential development.
A plan change can be used to change or introduce new provisions into the Whakatāne District Plan, for a variety of situations, including rezoning of land.
Whakatāne District Council’s Manager Policy, Planning and Consents Compliance Nicholas Woodley said population growth in Whakatāne has significantly increased over the last decade.
“As a result of more people wanting to call the Whakatāne District home, we don’t have much more room to grow, which is putting a squeeze on new housing availability.”
“In 2021, the owners of 12 Huna Road approached Council because they wanted to develop their property,” he said.
“The owners have since engaged consultants to prepare a concept plan for a development and undertaken the supporting technical work, and we’ve been working with them and their neighbours on this integrated plan change.”
There was a strong strategic case for Council to develop this as a public plan change, allowing it to be rezoned and enable housing that meets the requirements under the National Policy Statement Urban Development.
The change will provide for a diverse range of housing, including Papakāinga housing, and a coordinated approach to the development of infrastructure.
“Papakāinga housing emphasises communal living and shared resources, creating a vibrant and supportive environment for residents.
“This approach recognises the importance of community and whānau and aligns with the rich traditions and values of the local Māori population and reflects Council’s commitment to embracing cultural diversity and integrating it into the fabric of the community,” Mr Woodley said.
Spokesperson Daniel Ratahi for Kawarehe Trust, which owns the neighbouring land, said the land at 30A Huna Road is largely low-lying and flood-prone with cropping providing a marginal return over many decades. A portion of the site is raised and suitable for residential development.
“We’ve been working closely with Te Tohu o te Ora o Ngāti Awa, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Council, which has provided an exceptional opportunity for the Trust to unlock the potential of this whenua Māori and provide housing solutions to meet the housing needs of Trust beneficiaries, whānau and the wider community.”
He adds, “the Trust fully supports Plan Change 8 and its intent to provide housing to meet the current and future housing needs of the Whakatāne District.”
The land proposed for development is approximately 15ha in area and if approved, could provide between 150-175 house sites.
As with any significant plan change, public consultation will play a crucial role. Council encourages residents, stakeholders, and community members to share their thoughts and provide valuable input on the plan change, which is expected to happen in February 2024.