Scenario Feedback Helps Define Urban Development Future
Early consultation for the Heretaunga Plains Urban Development Strategy shows there is a general consensus on the future of the region’s urban growth.
Napier City Council, Hastings District Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council are working together to design a plan for coordinated urban development across the Heretaunga Plains.
In an initial round of informal consultation three development scenarios were presented to stakeholder groups and the response has been positive, with more than 40 informal submissions received.
Napier Mayor and Governance Group chair Barbara Arnott says a majority of current submitters prefer Scenario Three, which would see compact development or urban intensification, a view shared by the Governance Group as it meets the vision and outcome criteria of the project.
The group met this week to discuss the next round of consultation with Maori, stakeholders group and Councils.
After consultation with those stakeholders a draft strategy will be notified in March, going out to public consultation in April or May. A hearing process is scheduled for June.
“At this stage, the draft includes a transition period which will gradually restrict urban development boundaries over time, allowing for proper planning and design work and the development of supporting infrastructure,” Mayor Arnott says.
“This is a pragmatic way forward. This will be an progressive approach to achieve a solution which moves our communities from the current expansion model to accommodating development within defined, fixed boundaries.”
Once a strategy has been adopted by the three councils, it will give weight to current policies and plans, as well as influencing future policy direction.
“This is shaping up to be a dynamic strategy which will give our communities both flexibility and certainty in the immediate future and long-term, while giving consideration to the complexities that make up our communities – the environment, preservation of water sources and soils, social cohesion, infrastructure and transport needs.”
“The submissions to date have been high quality, thoughtful and show a surprising commonality. We look forward to more of this depth of consideration from the next consultation round and expect a strategy which truly reflects the publics’ thinking.”
A summary of submissions received will be posted at www.hpuds.co.nz in the next few days.
Contact:
Mayor Barbara Arnott
Chair – Governance Group
Napier City Council
(06) 834 4198
