Motueka Central and West Structure Plan
History
Around 2005 and 2006, several options for further major development, both residential and industrial, in the southern half of Motueka were discussed with council, and after rezoning options to the south and east of the main area were discarded, further investigations were made into what was to become the "Motueka Central and West Structure Plan".
Early in 2009 Tasman District Council invited submissions from Motueka people and the community board on its plans. It was envisaged that a draft plan would be available by September for public comment and further submissions until December, then the “final” plan would be prepared early in 2010, with notification scheduled for 1 April 2010.
On 27th February 2009 a consultation paper on the planning project was released. It included proposals for a draft structure plan for the Motueka west and central areas and the southern gateway to the town. A larger area of land than was mooted in 2005 was included to ensure there was an integrated management plan for the future development of Motueka.
The draft plan provided for a mix of industrial, commercial, residential and open space uses in the western Motueka area bounded by High Street, King Edward Street, Queen Victoria Street, Pah Street, Grey Street and Whakarewa Street. (See map below). Some changes were also proposed for smaller areas of land east of the existing town centre and at the southern entrance to the town between High Street and the Moutere Inlet.
The plan identified areas for future business opportunities on freehold and leasehold land, and provided for a range of housing types including compact density housing. A low impact stormwater system was to be a feature. Council said the plan would be integrated with recreational opportunities for cycling and walking as well as with new roading links to improve accessibility.
Local Motueka councillors and the Motueka Community Board Chairperson said they welcomed the opportunity for consultation and noted that the draft plan was a significant step towards mapping the future growth of Motueka.
Current activity
[Early 2010] The planning process for the Central-West plan was disrupted when it became clear that the structure being planned had big implications (and vice versda) for the Motueka Transportation Plan, which was also in preparation. The two plans needed to be integrated so that the long-term transport plan, including town bypass options and traffic lights, would satisfy the demand that would be placed on it by developing the area to the west of High Street.
[Late April, 2010] The Transportation Plan was formally approved by Council, so council has confirmed that the advancement of the Central-West planning phase was now a major priority. Council suggested the following timetable:
- Council receives an update report on Motueka services and any other relevant matters for the draft plan change at its Environment and Planning meeting 23 September
- Council considers a draft Plan Change at its 16 December meeting
- Council notifies a change to the TRMP in April/May 2011.
[April 29, 2011] Council has placed its draft plan on its website, and opened the process up for public feedback. Public notification for submissions is expected to follow in a couple of months and parts or all of the plan should be accepted before the end of 2011. See our story here
Planning map of the main area to be developed
