The rules that govern subdivision in the Hauraki Gulf are under review – and Auckland City Council is inviting comment from the public.

The subdivision rules are contained within the Hauraki Gulf Islands (HGI) section of Council’s District Plan, which has been operative since 1996, and a rolling review of the entire section is now under way. ‘Part 8 – Subdivision’, is the first part of the Plan to be considered in its entirety.

Auckland City has proposed a number of changes to the subdivision provisions, which are now available to the public in a ‘discussion paper’.

Karen Bell, Manager of Isthmus and Islands Resource Management, says the discussion paper builds on views already raised by the public.

“Residents in the Gulf have already told Council that they want to retain the Islands unique style of residential development. The proposed changes recognise this, and support the philosophy of ‘Essentially Waiheke’ – Council’s livable community strategy for Waiheke Island. It also strengthens links to new legislation from the Hauraki Marine Park Act.”

Council is asking for a public response before June 1 2000. The responses will then form the basis of a report to be put before Council’s Planning & Regulatory Committee, recommending a plan change to ‘Part 8 – subdivision’. Once adopted by Council, the plan change will be formally notified, as the first step required under the Resource Management Act’s statutory process.

Karen Bell says that the idea of a discussion paper is to encourage community debate.

“We hope that, by using a discussion paper, people can voice their concerns at an early stage. The paper doesn’t attempt to provide all the answers, and that’s why feedback from the community is very important. This will hopefully result in a better understanding of the provisions when they are finally notified, and ultimately, fewer submissions and fewer appeals to the Environment Court.”

The discussion paper is available at the Great Barrier and Waiheke Island Service Centres, and at the Council’s Graham Street, and Civic Administration Building Offices in central Auckland. For mail out copies, phone 379-2020, or visit the Auckland City website at www.akcity.govt.nz/haurakiplan/

Submissions are required, in writing, no later than 1 June 2000.

ENDS

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