Flat Bush plans for the future

Work on a draft master plan for stage two of Flat Bush is almost complete.

Among the detailed work now under way is the development of a street pattern that includes a mix of streets along the edges of the green finger park network and a traditional grid street pattern, Manukau City Council says.

Stage two will cover about 440 hectares of Flat Bush south of Flat Bush School Rd and east of Murphys Rd, as well as vacant land around Barry Curtis Park.

Flat Bush town centre is not included in the plans. That responsibility lies with the council-owned company, Tomorrow's Manukau Properties.

Council urban design principal specialist Bruce Harland says getting street patterns right is essential.

"Once streets are laid out they can be there for hundreds or even thousands of years.

"That means they need to allow flexibility for different types of development over a long period of time."

For the second stage, Mr Harland says they are looking at park-edge roads along the green finger areas.

"They would create the opportunity for bigger park areas to be developed around the green fingers and allow houses to look out on to them."

A grid street pattern with rectangular property lots predominates. It allows possible long-term change from a house with a large backyard to apartments or townhouses, he says.

It also means backyards can be bigger while providing more privacy.

Straight streets are another feature that would highlight the landscape via view shafts.

"A grid street pattern helps make it easier to get around because people have a clear sense of where they are and where they are going."

The draft master plan will also show possible street designs and different examples of housing. Its aim is to help get the basics right before development begins to make Flat Bush work well for future residents.

After public feedback the master plan will be completed and used to guide a district plan change. The draft master plan will be available for public feedback in mid-April.

- © Fairfax NZ News