WelTec Precint Move A Positive Step

The provision of a new tertiary education precinct for WelTec is a positive step for Lower Hutt and provides a clear direction for future development of the site, Hutt City Council District Plan chair Cr Roger Styles, said today.

“WelTec is a significant organisation that makes an important contribution to our city and the decision by council reflects a desire to ensure WelTec continues its commitment to the area.

“We have agreed to notify a proposed plan change that will provide certainty into the future both for WelTec and neighbouring properties,” he said. “There is a desire to work closely with the community to ensure WelTec is a good neighbour.

“There has been two years of consultation on this issue and it will now be formally notified including suggested rules around height, car parking and boundary distances.

“Public notification is expected in February when formal submissions will be called for and a public hearing would be held around May or June,” Cr Styles said.

The Chief Executive of WelTec, Linda Sissons, said the council decision would provide her organisation with greater certainty into the future and allow for planning to meet changing circumstances.

“We are pleased with the decision which follows significant consultation with the community led by the Petone Community Board. We will continue to work closely with the public at all stages of the full process,” she said.