Council wants to keep Waimauku rural

Waimauku will retain its rural village character through the Waimauku Structure Plan, the Rodney District Council says.

Three open days are planned at the new Waimauku shopping centre between Stationery World and Red Crayon during the next fortnight for people to get further information and ask questions.

The council is seeking public feedback on its recently released draft plan, with a push for slow growth in the area for the next 20 years.

"A key aim is to preserve Waimauku’s rural village character, which local residents have said they like about the town," council district planning manager Peter Vari says.

"It is clear that there is going to be some growth in Waimauku, but residents have indicated through the consultation process that they want any development to occur gradually."

Mr Vari says this slow growth will enable the council to control where development occurs, so the village atmosphere can be retained.

It will also allow the council to concentrate major infrastructure provision in growth areas such as Kumeu and Huapai.

The Waimauku Station Rd area is possibly a site for shops and office activities over the longer term, the plan says.

Connection to a public wastewater system is proposed in 10 years.

"Once this has occurred, the plan proposes that there be limited residential expansion around southeast and southwest Waimauku, and also some infill housing," says Mr Vari.

"Development around the Renall’s Hill and cellphone tower hill areas will be restricted and the rural areas surrounding Waimauku will be maintained to separate it from the neighbouring towns of Kumeu, Huapai, Muriwai and Woodhill."

A project newsletter with information about the structure plan is being distributed, with copies available from the council’s website.

The open days are on Wednesday, November 12, noon to 6pm, Saturday, November 15, 10am to 2pm, and Tuesday, November 18, 4pm to 8pm.

"People can drop in and visit during the open days and council staff will be on hand to answer any questions about the plan," Mr Vari says.

The New Zealand Transport Agency will also be consulting residents at the same venue and time on Wednesday and Saturday on the State Highway 16 Muriwai Rd intersection upgrade.

Public consultation on the structure plan closes on December 12, with hearings expected early next year.

A copy of the plan can be downloaded from the council website, www.rodney.govt.nz or obtained from the council by phoning 0800-426-5169.

- © Fairfax NZ News