29 June 2018

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Concerns from residents in Lake Okareka in relation to Council's Spatial Plan

Enquiry

The reporter sought comment from Council ahead of a meeting with a group of residents at Lake Okareka who oppose the way the area has been identified for development under the spatial plan.

The following questions were put to Council:

• Can you please explain the way the area has been moved from now to next? What does this mean in terms of a definitive timeline?
• I remember in the meeting the council officers were clear that just because it's been identified for development, doesn't mean it's going to happen. Can you please provide information along those lines. I myself know that, but for those who don't.
• Why has Okareka been identified as a place for possible development?
• The residents say that they unanimously oppose the proposal yet claim the plan has things like "residents requesting an enhanced neighbourhood centre". What is your reaction to that?
• Residents say Playnes Farm is unsuitable for development as it is subject to flooding. What is your reaction to that?
• Residents are concerned not only about the potential development, but also the review of Lakes A zone.
• Will the review involve a discussion with residents?
• Could the rules be lightened around what can and can't happen within that zone, as residents don't want to see new buildings outside of the existing regulations?
• The Playne family who own the landed being discussed say they have never been contacted or approached by the council, is this accurate?

Response

From Strategy Group Manager Jean-Paul Gaston:

The spatial plan is a document which provides guidance and direction for future growth and development. It identifies areas with capacity for growth and development of various types but it is not intended as a definitive plan for the development of Rotorua.

Having a spatial plan ensures that when growth does occur, it happens in a planned and previously thought-out manner, rather than ad hoc. It also provides the Council and the community with reference points for more detailed discussion and consideration regarding district planning.

The fact an area has been indicated as having potential for future development does not mean it will necessarily occur. The spatial plan is not intended to be a definitive development plan for the district but is intended to help guide future development discussions by identifying areas where that could happen. There is still a formal process to go through to enable any area to be developed (District Plan change and review of Lakes A Zone) and any changes to those would not mean development would definitely occur either as developments would be subject to consenting processes.

Regarding Okareka:

now' was intended to indicate areas that could be prioritised for development in the short term, dependent on gaining community support and then making appropriate District Plan changes if those were needed.

Rotorua Lakes Council received some submissions in support of what was proposed for Okareka. However, we acknowledge there is a need for further discussion with this community and we have undertaken to do that, moving Okareka into the next' (ie longer term) category so we can include discussion on this as part of wider consultation on a review of the Lakes A Zone (which Okareka is part of).

Okareka was identified as a possible area for development due to its residential desirability (lake), proximity to the city, available land and existing infrastructure (reticulated sewerage, water supply and road accessways).

The plan details a number of community objectives established through the pre-draft round of community consultation, which highlighted the importance of enhancing communities and neighbourhoods. The term neighbourhood centre is not intended to reflect shopping or commercial areas.

Council had discussions with a number of landowners, including members of the Playne family, during preparation of the initial discussion document.

Much of the Playnes farm is elevated but any hazards relating to any piece of land are considered via more detailed work through the District Plan and consenting processes. The circled area shown on maps which provided the basis for community conversations regarding the spatial plan are not intended to be definitive but to indicate, generally, areas for potential growth or development.

Public consultation will form the basis of the Lakes A Zone review but we do not want to pre-empt what changes may or may not result.