Council releases decision on Mapara Valley Plan Change

After considering the extensive submissions received on District Plan Change 23 regarding the Mapara Valley Structure Plan Area, Council has notified decisions to the plan change.

Council was encouraged by the number of submitters and the standard of presentations at the hearings, with some clear messages coming through as to how Council should approach urban development in the Mapara Valley.

The submissions received reflect the wide interest of landowners, developers and the community in the development of this important future urban growth area of the Taupo District. As a result of these submissions, a large number of changes were made to the plan change documents, including further restrictions to ensure that urban development does not occur in the valley until key infrastructure is in place. Changes were also made to ensure that current farming activities were not unduly restricted in the interim period.

Group Manager Environmental Services, Gareth Green, said that this has been a long process that has relied on extensive public consultation and input. The outcome of the decisions released today shows the importance of balancing the need to plan for long term urban growth and ensuring the growth is designed in a manner that best suits the environment. The Mapara Valley Structure Plan provides for areas of high density urban development as well as rural residential lifestyle opportunities. The plan also provides for the revegetation of the steeper parts of the valley including all water courses and gullies.

All submitters have 30 working days from when they receive Council’s decisions, to lodge appeals with the Environment Court. Copies of these decisions are available from Council offices or for more information the public can contact the Environmental Policy Unit of Taupo District Council by phone 07 376 0641 or email epu@taupo.govt.nz.