MEDIA RELEASE
20/02/2013

Extension to aid crucial city planning

The decision to extend Hamilton’s proposed district plan submission deadline is welcome news for the development community and members of Property Council’s Waikato Branch.

On hearing the resolution last night, Waikato Branch president Robert Dol said it was a bold decision that showed Hamilton’s mayor and city councillors have considered pleas from the business community and extended the deadline to ensure a desirable and forward-thinking plan is established.

“Property Council was quick to call out HCC for releasing the notified plan during the hectic Christmas and New Year holiday period, as this compromised timeframes while only allowing for a week extra than the statutory minimum. The extension will allow many more to have the opportunity to comment on development plans for Hamilton.”

He said the current plan has been in place for the last two decades - Hamilton has outgrown it and the development community is in need of a plan with wide-ranging scope.

“Now is a critical time for the future of our wonderful city. We need to ensure planning documents are dead-on if we want to promote the right kind of growth that will continue to make this city and region vibrant and an enjoyable place to live.

“Documents like the district plan have long lasting effects on our built environment and Property Council strongly urges as many regional interests and the public to make sure all concerns are heard.”

The new deadline has been extended until the end of March 2013, which provides an extra four weeks for public submissions. Property Council will be preparing a comprehensive submission on behalf of its members.

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