540 submissions received on Arrowtown boundary
The committee will be asked to approve a sequence of hearings for Plan Change 29, Plan Change 30 - Urban Boundary Framework and Plan Change 39: Proposed Private Plan Change: Arrowtown South at its meeting next week.
In his report, Mr Rushworth said the submissions were still being summarised, but initial issues set out in the submissions on the boundary included the value placed on the existing character of Arrowtown.
"Some submissions oppose the proposed [tight] boundary, with a number indicating potential areas for inclusion to enable further growth. These include areas between McDonnell Rd and Centennial Ave, land west of McDonnell Rd and at Jopp St."
Mr Rushworth said about 100 submissions had been received on the Urban Boundary Framework, which seeks to establish a strategic framework for managing the scale and location of urban growth within the district.
The majority of submissions were in opposition.
The main issues identified included there was no justification nor need for a plan change; an unnecessary layer of control and cost; significant adverse effects on rural and rural-residential properties; it would result in a disjointed plan with contradictory objectives; and it would inflate land prices and suppress economic growth.
Mr Rushworth said the private plan change, lodged by Arrowtown South, was closely related to Plan Change 29 and 30 and it was likely to involve some of the same submitters.
"It is appropriate to consider how these processes are co-ordinated to ensure efficient and effective decision-making and to provide some clarity for submitters."
More comprehensive and detailed analysis of submissions was required to enable options to be identified and advance the plan changes.
Consideration should be given to the number of commissioners to ensure there was a range of appropriate experience on the panel and consideration of "managing the costs", as well as "commissioner status".
It was appropriate to engage councillor commissioners in the plan change process.
However, independent commissioners could provide specials skills "and the means to avoid any potential conflicts of interest where council has a vested interest in the process".
Mr Rushworth said the preferred option was to begin the hearings with Plan Change 30, heard by an independent commissioner and two council commissioners.
It was recommended Plan Change 29 be heard next, by two independent commissioners, followed by Plan Change 39, recommended to be heard by an independent commissioner and two council commissioners.
The strategy committee will be asked to approve the recommendation on Tuesday.
