HPUDS Consultation to Close Soon

Hawke’s Bay councils collaborating on the Heretaunga Urban Plains Development Strategy (HPUDS) are encouraging anyone with a view on the future development of the Plains to put their submission in before the closing date, Friday May 14.

At the start of April Napier City, Hastings District and Hawke’s Bay Regional councils called for public submissions on the proposal, which would see defined urban limits around the sister cities and limits on development on the fertile Heretaunga Plains.

HPUDS joint committee chair, Barbara Arnott, says there has been plenty of interest in the strategy but there is always room for more.

“How we manage development on the Plains is something which affects all of us, we all have an interest in this. We want to hear from anyone who has an opinion on what we do to make a strong and sustainable future for people and the environment,” Mayor Arnott says.

“The strategy will become a guiding document and will be actioned through District Plans and Regional Policy Statement and Ten Year Plans of the three councils,” she says.

“A major driver of this strategy is the future economic health of the region, it’s essential there are provisions for industrial and commercial land to support local business.”

The draft proposal promotes compact urban development. Modelling shows there is likely to be an increase of 8000 houses between 2015 and 2045 and the proposal aims to accommodate 60% of that increase within the existing urban footprint.

This will mean increased density of housing within the existing urban footprints, with a focus on Napier, Hastings and Havelock North.

Another 35% will be accommodated in existing and new Greenfield (previously undeveloped) land on the fringes of existing urban areas, with the other 5% being allocated for rural sites.

The strategy allows for a transition period, with mechanisms to encourage compact development being phased in over time.

In drawing up the draft proposal the joint committee has considered a range of challenges faced by the region, including the value of water and soil, energy needs, climate change, the aging population, the growing Maori population and housing affordability and choice.

Submissions close on May 14.

The full draft strategy, and supporting documentation, can be found at www.hpuds.co.nz or at your local council reception and library.