Mike Montgomerie
The public will be invited to have their say in May on whether a plan change should be allowed that will see nearly 1250 homes built on nearly 100 hectares on the south-eastern edge of Leamington.
Nearly 100 hectares of equine and grazing land off Maungatautari Road could soon be developed. Photo: Chris Gardner
Milan Park Stud Limited is seeking to rezone 98.6 hectares of land used for equine activities and grazing to allow medium-density housing.
Nearly half of the site sits within an area identified for future residential growth after 2035 is zoned deferred residential while the balance is zoned rural.
Waipā District Council’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee recently accepted the plan change for public notification in May.
“Accepting the private plan change for processing is about transparency and giving the community a voice,” committee chair Mike Montgomerie said in a statement.
“It allows people to understand what’s being proposed, consider the potential impacts, and make a submission. Proposals like this need to be tested through the full public planning process so the community can provide input.”
Council are beginning the formal process of public notification, submissions and hearings funded by the applicant.
Cambridge Connections Transport Plan executive director Katie Mayes.
“We encourage anyone who may be affected by this proposal to take part when it’s notified,” Montgomerie said. “This is how community views are considered in future planning decisions for our district.
“The final decision is expected to be made by an independent hearing panel.”
Cambridge Connections Transport Plan executive director Katie Mayes said the fact that Cambridge was growing reinforced the need to have a 30-year view and a clear understanding of what transport initiatives are needed so Cambridge remains a great place to live.
“We don’t know exactly where and when this growth will occur, but having the Cambridge Connections Transport Plan will mean that transport initiatives can be brought on stream at the right time and in the right place to support growth.”
See: Here we grow again
