Whakatāne District Council has opened community submissions for Plan Change 8, a proposed amendment to the Whakatāne District Plan aimed at increasing housing capacity within the district.
The primary focus of this change is to rezone specific areas, including 12 Huna Road (commonly known as Julians Berry Farm), 30A Huna Road, and 234A State Highway 30, to enable residential and papakāinga development.
Whakatāne District Council’s Manager Policy, Planning and Consents Compliance Nicholas Woodley said the initiative stems from the owners of 12 Huna Road expressing interest in developing the property back in 2021.
"Following this, a comprehensive concept plan for the development has been done, as well as essential technical work."
"Recognising the potential benefits and the need for more land to be available for people to call the Whakatāne District home, Council has chosen to initiate Plan Change 8 as a public plan change," he adds.
The proposed changes will provide for:
- Increased housing capacity: The plan change aims to address the demand for housing in the district by providing more housing options that align with the requirements outlined in the National Policy Statement Urban Development (NPS-UD).
- Diverse range of housing: Plan Change 8 is designed to encourage the development of a diverse range of housing, including the incorporation of papakāinga housing, reflecting the cultural diversity and housing needs of the community.
- Coordinated infrastructure development: The proposal includes a coordinated approach to the development of infrastructure, ensuring that the necessary facilities and services accompany the growth in residential areas.
The proposed changes are not centred around whether the properties, particularly 12 Huna Road (Julians Berry Farm), should be sold. Instead, the focus is on adjusting the existing regulatory ‘rule book’ to make the development process more accessible for landowners.
Submissions on the plan change are open from today (Monday, 5 February) until 5pm Friday, 15 March.
Council encourages residents, stakeholders, and interested parties to submit their feedback and suggestions regarding the plan change.