15 March 2008

Draft Bridle Path Road Area Plan open for consultation

Public consultation opens tomorrow on the Draft Bridle Path Road Area Plan which provides the framework for residential development on a 19.9 hectare block on the lower slopes of the Heathcote Valley.

The preparation of the Plan follows a Consent Order by the Environment Court to rezone area from Rural 7 to Deferred Living Hills A (LHA), signalling the intention to allow for future residential development, subject to alleviating a number of constraints.

Christchurch City Council Principal Planning Advisor Ivan Thomson said the main concern was the potential rockfall hazard. “This and other issues like stormwater disposal have to be addressed before the deferred status can be lifted from the zone,” he said.

The Plan aims to keep development away from areas that are of high landscape value, incorporate drainage improvements into the broader Heathcote Valley catchment, and ensure that there is good connectivity between the area and the surrounding residential and recreation areas.

Four potential development options have been identified, with the Area Plan identifying a preferred option that would allow for the development of between approximately 100–135 sections on the lower slopes.

The purpose of public consultation, which runs until 16 May, was to consider the development options, not to re-look at the rezoning which had been settled through the Environment Court process, Mr Thomson said.

“The Environment Court has already determined in principle that the land is suitable for residential development, so the issue now is how to create a quality and sustainable living environment,” he said.

The options are outlined, and further information can be found in, the Executive Summary document and in the complete draft Bridle Path Road Area Plan which are available from the Bridle Path Road website at www.ccc.govt.nz/areaplans/bridlepath, the Civic Offices Tuam Street, and all service centres and libraries.

Written submissions on the draft plan may be made to the Council between 16 April 2008 and 16 May 2008.

- A public meeting to discuss the plan will be held at the St Mary’s Church Hall, Cnr Martindales and Station Roads, Heathcote Valley, Wednesday 23 April, 7.30pm–9pm.

ENDS

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