Three Kings Quarry: agreement reached between a rock and a hard place

Two community groups say they are pleased to achieve a compromise position with Fletcher over the development of Three Kings quarry for housing.

Professor Dick Bellamy, President of the South Epsom Planning Group, says “the scope for reaching the agreement has been constrained by being sandwiched between a comprehensive Environment Court decision which introduced significant improvements to the original plan, and a Unitary Plan decision which made no changes”.

“We are pleased that Fletcher has now adopted several key elements of the Environment Court decision, including adding another four metres of fill, improving land contours and connections, enhancing remaining volcanic features, and a process to retain the western reserve as open space,” says Bellamy.

The settlement with Fletcher now resolves the High Court action which challenged Council’s approval of provisions of the Unitary Plan that applied to the Fletcher and Council reserve land.

The agreement foreshadows a further publicly notified plan change, will involve Fletcher receiving alternative Council land, and will require the Minister of Conservation’s and Council’s approval for two land exchanges.

Garry Bryant, President of Three Kings United Group, said that those approvals would provide greater certainty for both Fletcher and the community.

Prof Bellamy, Mr Bryant and community advocate Greg McKeown wish to thank the Volcanic Cone Society, their Society members, volunteers and donors who have contributed their time, money and professional expertise.

“Harry Doig, the Puketepapa Local Board and local MP Michael Wood have been a tremendous voice for the local community over the past three years,” they said.

Greg McKeown says “Fletcher now has the opportunity to deliver the exemplar urban development it has promised.”

ENDS 14.06.17

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