Have your say on Pokenos future

Pokeno residents and the general public have until 25 February to have their say on the future growth of Pokeno, which could see its population grow to more than 5,000 by 2051.*

Proposed Plan Change 24, which outlines future growth plans for the Pokeno community, is currently notified and submissions are being sought.

Council extended the required notification time for the proposal late last year from the legally required four weeks to nine weeks to ensure the public had sufficient time to respond, given the holiday period.

A newsletter to Pokeno residents and stakeholders has been distributed this week reminding the public to make submissions on the proposal.

Franklin District Council Mayor, Mark Ball says, “This is the community’s chance to have their say on how Pokeno will develop into the future. The community has been very interested in plans to date, with large numbers attending information days and workshops.”

“A large percentage of the feedback from these events supported controlled growth for the village, however we now ask that the public formally record their views so they can be taken into consideration by a Hearings Committee,” he says.

The proposed plan change provides for the development of a compact and contained Pokeno town. It extends the current zones and introduces new areas for residential, commercial, industrial and recreation activities in Pokeno, together with proposed new methods to manage this growth and development.

Proposed Plan Change 24 (in print and CD forms) and submission forms can be found at Franklin District Council Service Centres, at the Pokeno Post Shop and on the Council’s website – www.franklin.govt.nz.

Council will appoint independent commissioners to hear all submissions and assess the plan change. Submissions close at 4.00pm on Wednesday 25 February.

Ends
* As per Franklin District Growth Strategy