Once the reports we need are completed, we can seek approval from Council to consult formally on this proposed District Plan change. The draft of this plan will then be notified for consultation, during which time you can have your say by making a submission. You’ll also be able to speak to Elected Members during a Council hearing if you’d like to.
After this a panel of commissioners will make a decision on any changes to the proposal based on what they have heard. There will then be an appeal period once this decision is released. Any appeals would be mediated or responded to in the Environment Court.
If the proposed plan change is accepted at that stage, the Kākātangiata urban growth area will be rezoned from rural to residential within the District Plan. Any development would be likely to happen in stages over time and be driven by both private landowners and our ability to build infrastructure to meet the needs of new housing in the area.