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The development of Ngarara was first explored in response to the local authority’s community planning process.
Kapiti Coast District Council carried out a community consultation process within the Waikanae Ward, which covers this area, in November 2003. A workshop with local landowners showed that residents were keen to see any further development of their area limited to low impact designs that recognised and reflected the unique character of their area and its ecological, aesthetic and community values.
Landowner response to a draft concept plan for Waikanae urban extension included the suggestion that the council create a new type of urban zone that allowed flexible mixed use of land. This would support sympathetic ‘cluster-type’ developments (village-like) within open country and around protected ecological areas.
In April 2005 preliminary ideas for the proposed Ngarara residential area were presented at a public meeting, as well as to Iwi and Greater Wellington Regional Council representatives. These set out the overall vision, and the preferred ‘organic’ design approach. See The Approach for more information.
During 2006 and 2007 a team of specialists worked to prepare a detailed design proposal for the underlying framework for Ngarara. This involved extensive research into the environmental, social and cultural values of the area, to make sure they were reflected and supported in the proposal.
The framework established the foundations for future communities on the Ngarara land: roading, cycle, walking, bridle (CWB) network, watersupply, stormwater and sewerage, flood control, shared open space, shared productive land (eg allotments), protected ecological zones, access to the coast and waterways, shared social areas near houses, links to public transport and other public facilities. It also includes an overall design guide, to ensure all built structures were in keeping with their surroundings, and sustainability information to help individuals create buildings with low water and energy usage.
The Kapiti Coast District Council publicly notified the Ngarara Private Plan Change (PC80) on 21 July 2008.
The council is now inviting public submissions on Maypole Environmental’s plan change application. The plan change will accommodate mixed activities including residential, commercial, recreational, rural, open space, educational, community and tourism activities.
Submissions close at 5pm, 29 September 2008.
After the council has summarised the initial submissions, there will be a period for further submissions, leading on to a hearing.
Information on how to make a submission is on the council website – www.kapiticoast.govt.nz - under consultation.
Full copies of relevant documents are also available from the council.
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Maypole is proposing a three-step process:
- Structure plan and management plans.
- Neighbourhood development plans.
- Consent applications.
If a plan change is approved, there would then be further opportunities for public input through neighbourhood development plans.
The plan change application process is run according to the Resource Management Act 1991. This sets out the process for public input into the decision-making process of the council. Detail of this can be seen on the Ministry for the Environment website. [www.mfe.govt.nz]
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