Great community interest in Pokeno's future

Public interest in the future of Pokeno is high, with many interested residents and stakeholders participating in the consultation process on proposed Plan Change 24. This plan change outlines future growth plans for the Pokeno community.

A total of 86 submissions were received on the proposed plan change, covering a wide range of topics.

Franklin District Council would like to thank the many people and organisations who took the time to make a submission.

Franklin District Council Mayor, Mark Ball says, “It’s pleasing to see so many participate in the submission process and get actively involved in this level of consultation. The most frequently raised topics in the submissions related to roading, public transport and traffic movements.”

Most submissions also commented that it was good to see such a comprehensively planned development for Pokeno.

Council has now summarised all the submissions and is entering the next phase of the statutory process.

Mark says, “We’re now asking the public to read the summary of submissions and make one further submission to state if they are in support or opposition to the original submissions received. This step gives the public the opportunity to view other people’s opinions and ideas, and tell us their thoughts on those points.”

The summary of submissions to proposed Plan Change 24 is notified from today, April 2, 2009 and further public submissions close at 4pm on May 8, 2009. Copies of the summary and the original submissions are available at Franklin District Council Service Centres, at the Pokeno Post Shop and at www.franklindistrict.govt.nz.

A newsletter to Pokeno residents and stakeholders is being distributed next week, providing a reminder to the public to make further submissions on the proposal if they wish.

Council will appoint independent commissioners to hear all submissions and assess the plan change later in the year.