Bay of Plenty to rezone 280ha of rural land for development

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has applied to use a Streamlined Planning Process (SPP) introduced under Resource Management Act reforms in order to facilitate a major housing development.

The Regional Council, together with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Tauranga City Council and the NZ Transport Agency, have launched a collaborative project, to build 2800 new dwellings. The plan will require the rezoning of 280 hectares of land currently zoned for rural use at Tauriko West within its urban limits line. The Regional Council will therefore need to amend its Regional Policy Statement and change the Tauranga City Plan.

“If the Council’s application to use the SPP to amend its Regional Policy Statement approved, the Regional Council will follow a process, including pre-notification consultation with relevant iwi authorities, public notification, public consultation, and a public hearing with at least one independent hearing commissioner”, said Building and Construction Minister Nick Smith.

Minister Smith said he expects to make a decision on the streamlined application within the week. If approved following the streamlined process, the final decision on any changes would be made by the Minister for the Environment in 2018.

Image credit:  Freepik