Submissions close soon on big development in Beachlands

By CHRIS HARROWELL

Pohutukawa Coast residents are being encouraged to have their say on a plan change that would allow the development of a new coastal urban neighbourhood in their community.

The proposed development in Beachlands includes the construction of about 3000 homes as well as commercial, retail, education and open-space amenities. Beachlands South Limited Partnership has applied to Auckland Council for a plan change necessary to facilitate the development.

The partnership is jointly owned by the Russell Property Group and its partners the NZ Super Fund, local iwi Ngai Tai ki Tamaki and Hapai Development Property LP.

The project compromises about 250 hectares and consolidates the Formosa Golf Course land in Jack Lachlan Drive as well as an 80-hectare property on WhitfordMaraetai Road.

As the Times has previously reported, Russell Property Group managing director Brett Russell said the company plans to provide modern and sustainable high-quality housing choices and lifestyles with links to improved public transport services.

The master plan includes improvements to the landscaped environment including coastal boardwalks, community playgrounds, parks and open spaces.

It will provide a catalyst for the community to get new primary and secondary schools and the planning provides space for both of these and future planning for the next 15-20 years at Beachlands, he says. “This is exactly the sort of development our city needs if it is to address the housing crisis.”

Submissions on ‘plan change 88’, which seeks to rezone about 307 hectares of land south of Beachlands township, close at midnight on February 24.

The Beachlands, Maraetai, Omana Concerned Residents

Group has been established to share information on the project among locals. It’s chaired by retired civil engineer Dennis Bartlett and drew about 80 people to a recent presentation and discussion on the issue at a venue in Beachlands.

Bartlett says he spent much of last week at Beachlands Countdown talking to people about the development, asking if they’re aware of it and telling them how to make a submission.

“Most people aren’t aware what’s happening and how to go about it and most don’t appreciate that 307 hectares is about the size of the whole of Beachlands at the moment,” he says.

“It’s a massive undertaking and it’s got some big backers.”

Bartlett says most of the residents he’s talked to about the devel- opment don’t oppose it as long as it has sufficient infrastructure.

“The biggest issue out here is we don’t have the infrastructure to support a development of that size, particularly with the roading.

Poppy volunteers needed

Howick RSA Poppy Day is Friday, April 21. Volunteers required to collect poppy donations. Various local locations available for 2-4 hour timeframes. We would also like administration support prior to the 21st. If you would like to support the RSA to raise funds for our welfare assistance programme, please get in touch with Kylie admin@rsa.co.nz or call 027 270 8642.

“If you’re leaving Beachlands at 8am and coming home at 4.30pm, there are long queues.

“This is just going to make it worse. We’re trying to make people aware it’s a big development.”  For more information on the plan change and to make a submission, go online to www. aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and search for ‘PC 88 (Private): Beachlands South’.

Submissions can be emailed to unitaryplan@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz.

People who want to join the residents’ group’s email discussion can email raymondb062@gmail. com.

Howick U3A

On Monday, February 20 at 9.30am, Howick U3A will meet at the bowling club in Selwyn Road, Howick, to hear Dr Ian Ferguson, formerly Chief Science Advisor, speak on “China Through Western Eyes — China in the last 20 years”. Visitors are welcome. Phone or text Jan 027 220 3777 or email j.n.w@xtra.co.nz.