Feedback wanted on Beachlands development plans

Beachlands residents are being asked for feedback on plans that would allow development of up to 500 new houses and a new business area on land south of the existing settlement.

Manukau City Council has released the Beachlands Village: New Avenues discussion document, which includes a structure plan for extending the village south on 125 hectares of rural land.

The discussion document and structure plan follows the council’s endorsement in March 2009 of a preferred option for extending Beachlands.

The discussion document proposes extending the existing pattern of development in the village by using a similar rectangular grid street pattern, with the creation of three new avenues. This would provide long views along roads to the sea and maintain the character of the original Beachlands settlement.

Public feedback on the document will be used to help shape a future district plan change for extending the settlement.

A summary of the plan with a feedback form is being sent to people in the area. The full document and an online feedback form is available at www.manukau.govt.nz/beachlands, or on request from the council.

An open day will be held on 9 February 2010 from 1pm to 7pm in the Beachlands Hall, Wakelin Road. This is an opportunity for the community to discuss the proposed provisions with council officers.

Manukau City Council Group Manager Regional and City Planning Bruce Nicholson says one of the main aims is to make sure that any future development is consistent with the original character of the area.

“To achieve this, three new avenues and a grid street pattern are being proposed, which is a continuation of what is seen in the original settlement. This would also help with maximising connections in and around the area.

“The plans aren’t final yet and the council wants feedback from people in the area to help shape a district plan change for extending Beachlands” Mr Nicholson says.

A feature of the structure plan is the substantial number of green areas proposed for stormwater management and public open space, which most of the new residential area will have direct access to.

The structure plan area has three residential precincts – the majority of the area will have 800m2 sections, land directly adjoining Whitford–Maraetai Road would have 2000m2 sections and an area next to Pine Harbour Marina minimum lot sizes of 365m2.

The new business area would accommodate a supermarket and specialty shops in a new rural village centre, avoiding the need for local residents to travel elsewhere for their shopping needs.

Features of the structure plan:

Infrastructure

Stormwater management is based on a catchment wide approach. Stormwater management areas, including riparian corridors, will contribute to the amenity, ecological and recreational values of the area. In terms of wastewater, the Beachlands-Maraetai Wastewater Treatment Plan has enough capacity to service the new development. Generally, new development will rely on roof water supply, and minimum standards will be required to ensure a reasonable sustained supply will be available for future residents.

Residential Precinct A (Low Density Area)

Applies to land located on the eastern boundary, which directly adjoins Whitford–Maraetai Road. The intent of this precinct is to create a low density corridor, creating a “soft edge” and retaining the rural “feel” in this area. Section sizes of 2000m2 are proposed for this precinct.

Residential Precinct B (Main Residential Area)

Applies to the majority of the structure plan area. This is intended to be an extension of the existing Beachlands settlement, having a similar built form and feel to the older settlement, using similar building controls. Generally 800m2 sections are proposed for this precinct. Sufficient space is provided in the front and back yard of dwellings to plant new trees. This precinct is bi-sected by the main open space network. It is important that individual lots relate positively to this green network.

Residential Precinct C (Medium Density Area)

Applies to the western edge of the structure plan area, adjoining Pine Harbour Marina. A minimum lot size of 365m2 is applied to this precinct. This particular precinct is subject to the availability of ground water supply.


Read the full Beachlands Village: New Avenues Discussion Document at www.manukau.govt.nz/beachlands or request a copy by phoning 262 5290.