A proposal to expand the Raglan Central Business District was presented to the Waikato Council’s Strategy & Finance on Tuesday 27th May. Headed up by Raglan Councillor Clint Baddeley, the committee has responsibility for all finance and treasury matters, administration of the existing District Plan, Future Proof, the District Growth Strategy and structure plans. The proposal has been designated Plan Change 14 – Raglan Re-zoning by the Council.
The proposal from WDC’s General Manager Tony Whittaker would rezone the southern side of Bankart St from Living to Business along with the adjacent properties around the corner in Wainui Rd (8,10,12). A similar change plus a Town Centre overlay is proposed for eastern part of Wallis St (9,11, 13, 15A, 15B, 17, 17A, 17B, 19) next to the CBD.
Rezoning changes are also proposed for part of the Tasman Lands property on SH 23 Rural Zone to Light Industrial and also parts of Wainui Rd, next to Poihakena Marae to be rezoned from Coastal to Pa Zone.
GM Tony Whittaker told the councillors that, “The changes proposed have been requested as a result of community consultation and/or individual land owner requests. The zoning reflects the current or proposed use of the properties. Prior to notification of the Plan Change, Council staff would undertake further consultation with the property owners and representatives of the Poihakena Marae. It is standard practice for any changes to the district plan to undertake consultation.”
It is expected that Plan Change 14 – Raglan Re-zoning will be recommended to the full Council for notification in October 2014.
On 24th May we asked Linda Cole, Chairperson of the Raglan Community Board about the proposal:
- Does RCB support the proposed changes?
- What are your views on the proposal?
Mrs Cole said she had been away for a few days and was catching up.
The proposed changes are a positive move for the expansion of the Raglan CBD, which will give room for development with confidence in the future, as Raglan continues to grow.
Yes I agree. Seems the sensible next step.