Waikato District Council news
Raglan residents will soon be able to have their say on the Proposed Waikato District Plan (Stage 1).
Waikato District Council approved the Plan late last month and submissions will open on Wednesday 18 July, 2018.
Changes in the Proposed Plan may have an impact on Raglan residents, so we encourage you to look into the Plan for details about your property.
There has also been a specific Rangitahi Peninsula Zone created. Key features of this zone include:
- Rules reflect Significant Natural Areas (SNAs), earthworks within SNAs and Maaori sites of significance
- Changes to the activity status of some activities
- Introduction of controls around childcare centres
The Proposed District Plan (Stage 1) establishes guidelines for future growth and development across the Waikato district, including rules for protecting the district’s environment and heritage.
Waikato District Council Chief Executive Gavin Ion says the District Plan is an important document for Council as it tells the community how the district’s land can be used, developed and subdivided.
“The Plan gives guidance as to what you can do with your land – where you can put your garage and how many storeys your house can be depending on where you live in the district. But it also goes much deeper than that – we’re proud to say that our District Plan also protects our culture and heritage and has innovative ways to encourage development on Maori Freehold Land with papakaainga housing developments etc.
Reviewing the District Plan has been a long process which has involved numerous opportunities for the community to have their say, but the formal process of submissions will be open from 18 July.
Key changes between the current Operative Plan and the Proposed Plan include:
-
The adding of 60 heritage sites and buildings, along with 16 notable trees to their respective lists. The rules have been amended to provide for ongoing maintenance and care or repair.
-
A consistent residential zone and redeveloped village zone, along with three business zones. Additional residential zone areas have also been created in Tuakau, Pokeno, Te Kowhai, Taupiri, Ngaruawahia and Horotiu to allow for growth, along with an additional industrial zoned area in Huntly.
-
Under the Taangata Whenua chapter, flexible provisions have been created that give more options for those with Maaori Freehold Land.
All landowners will either have received or will receive soon, a letter about the Proposed Waikato District Plan that either details the proposed changes to their property or prompts them to view the Plan to see if they would like to make a submission. We encourage everyone to make a submission online, but hard copies of the submission forms are also available from all Council offices, libraries and by phoning us on 0800 492 452 to request one.
Community drop-in sessions will be held in August and September if you would like help in making a submission. Further details about this will be promoted closer to the time.
Lots of information on the Plan and its supporting documents can be found on our website, www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/districtplan once the Plan is notified.
The submission period is open from the date of official notification, Wednesday 18 July, 2018 until Tuesday 9 October, 2018.