December 15, 2004

Lot to say on Long Bay

The North Shore City Council has received nearly 11 thousand submissions to its proposed District Plan change on the Long Bay Structure Plan.

Earlier this year the council asked people for feedback about changing the city's District Plan to allow for development in the Long Bay area while protecting its natural environment. The area was earmarked for urban development by the Environment Court in 1996.

Many of the submissions focused on the need to protect the land from development to create a great park. Some landowners wanted changes to the District Plan, and a number of submissions supported the integrated approach proposed by the council to help protect the overall environment in Long Bay.

The period for sending in submissions closed in July, and a summary of these submissions will be available for the public to view at council offices from December 16.

Environmental policy advisor Celia Davison says anyone can make a written submission which supports or opposes the submissions that have already been received.

"We're also extending the timeframe in which people can do this until February 25, 2005 to ensure there is plenty of time for people to have their say," she says.

The plan creates a framework for a new residential community in the area with a mix of housing types and densities as well as an attractive and functional street network. It also seeks to preserve and extend native bush, protect natural streams, establish reserves with pedestrian and cycle access, and protect the landscape around the Long Bay Regional Park.

Reducing the effects of stormwater on streams and the marine environment, and limiting the scale of residential development in the upper part of Long Bay are also addressed.

North Shore City strategic management committee chairperson, Gary Holmes, says Long Bay is a special area for residents and visitors.

"We have been working closely with the local community and landowners to try to get the best outcome for everyone," he says.

"We want to ensure that this valued part of our city is protected while allowing for carefully planned development."

The structure plan was prepared after extensive planning, research, geotechnical assessments and consultation.

The further submissions will be considered before any changes are made to the city's District Plan. Public hearings are likely to take place in May next year.

ENDS

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