Developments impact small communities

Pressure on the council to allow large multi-storied developments has a big impact on small Shore town centres, says councillor Grant Gillon.

Government and regional planners require North Shore City Council to accept the development with scant attention to the impact on small local communities, says Mr Gillon.

He says the regional policy is designed to increase public transport use and make services cheaper to run.

Town centres such as Highbury and Beach Haven are among those affected, he says.

There are also impacts for more affluent areas zoned for intensive development including Takapuna and Milford, says Mr Gillon.

"Local amenities such as adequate reserves, neighbourhood parks, shops, medical facilities and other services are essential to avoid the social problems that often accompany unplanned intensification."

People living in the low cost developments are often young families or the elderly who don’t have a backyard and it’s important they have
nearby parks to use, he says.

Mr Gillon is pushing for a neighbourhood park or civic square in Highbury and Beach Haven.

It’s an important issue for the council because it’s unlikely to be a priority for the new Auckland Council which will have a lot on its plate, he says.

The council is consulting on an upgraded town centre for Beach Haven so it’s an ideal time to consider providing a park or civic square, says Mr Gillon.

He urges residents to attend planning workshops on February 14, 11am to 3.30pm, and February 15, 9am to 4pm, in the Beach Haven Methodist Church Hall.

Further consultation is also planned for Highbury town centre.

- © Fairfax NZ News