The first step has been taken for a new suburb in Invercargill, envisaged as a 600-section development.
A hearing was held yesterday at the Invercargill City Council after Bonisch Consultants Ltd on behalf of Te Puawai Developments Ltd lodged a private plan change to council’s district plan.
They want to rezone the 70ha site from rural to residential.
The subdivision is planned for a block of land at Invercargill’s eastern limit, between Tramway Rd and Centre St, flanked by Rockdale Rd and Regent St, and would create more than 600 sections, including a retirement village, commercial hub and large green areas.
Council senior policy planner Grant Fisher presented a report to the hearing panel composed by independent commissioners Allan Cubitt and Muriel Johnstone and Invercargill city councillor Darren Ludlow.
Mr Fisher said the council received a total of nine submissions, eight in either full or partial support and one neutral.
No-one had asked to speak about their submissions during the hearing.
The Southland Business Chamber and Southland Housing Action wrote in support of the development as it would help address the housing shortage in the area.
‘‘The development of a new mixed use community will assist to provide a variety of new housing options for the city with attractive urban design amenity appealing to a range of potential residents,’’ chamber chief executive Sheree Carey wrote.
Mr Cubitt raised questions about potential infrastructure constraints in the region due to the size of the development, specifically in relation to water supply and stormwater.
Mr Fisher said assessment had been conducted and council staff considered there was capacity for the site to be serviced across Three Waters infrastructure.
‘‘It is also likely that a private development agreement between the developer and the council will be required to facilitate network capacity upgrades required to service the full extent of potential development within the site.’’
Mr Fisher recommended the panel approve the changes proposed in the application.
A decision about the matter is expected by early next year.
