24 March 2014

District Plan review now out for consultation

The Palmerston North City Council wants to know what you think about the city’s rural, airport and boundary change areas as it launches a substantial review of those parts of the District Plan.

The rural zone and boundary change area review, and the airport zone review form a significant part of the sectional district plan review. The reviews will refine a number of existing, and introduce a number of new, provisions across a number of sections of the District Plan.

Council city planner David Murphy says the review suggests changes, but is really asking people to comment on how they might improve the areas where they live and work.

“Many of the areas we are reviewing are significant to the future of Palmerston North from an economic perspective so it’s important that we introduce policies that promote a balanced approach to sustainable economic growth and quality of lifestyle.

“The next 20 to 50 years will see significant growth in logistics, distribution and manufacturing. So we’re looking for feedback on how we can best manage growth in our region.

“We’re also looking at how we make the most of our productive land and provide for renewable electricity generation while protecting the outstanding natural features in our rural and rural residential areas,” says Mr Murphy.

The review also highlights a number of key issues in areas such as Bunnythorpe, Longburn and Ashhurst, where boundary change and flood protection issues are being reviewed for the areas respectively.

This is your opportunity to tell the Council how you want your rural zone, boundary change and airport areas to be planned for in the future. Council has put a number of measures in place to ensure you can get involved in the conversation.

Fact sheets will be mailed out to all affected residents this week.

On Council’s website, pncc.govt.nz, you can find detailed fact sheets, a working draft of the District Plan provisions and interactive maps so that you can see how the draft changes might affect your property.

Key planning staff will also be on hand at two plan change Open Days to discuss any issues or questions.

These will be run from 10am to 7pm on April 8 and 9, 2014, at the Palmerston North Convention Centre.

Submissions are currently being received and close at 5pm Monday April 28, 2014.

Once Council staff have gathered and analysed feedback, they will prepare a formal District Plan Change that will propose the actual amendments to the District Plan.

This process involves two rounds of submissions and a public hearing before a decision is made on the proposed amendments to the District Plan.

ENDS

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