Rodney District Council is undertaking public consultation on a proposed Variation to its District Plan which would introduce a West Coast Rural Policy Area.
The proposed zone would introduce additional rules for areas zoned General Rural at South Head and the coastal areas of Rodney along the Kaipara Harbour.
The rules would place controls on buildings within this area which would protect the distinctive coastal and rural character of the west coast of Rodney. The proposed changes would mean that the development or significant alterations of buildings in the zone which are currently classified as a permitted activity, would become a controlled activity and a resource consent would be required.
The Plan Variation would also introduce more stringent controls on earthworks, tree and bush removal, wetland and watercourse modification to provide better protection for the sensitive environment along Rodney’s West Coast.
Farming and horticultural activities within the new policy area will only be affected by the changes proposed if building, wetland and watercourse modifications are made or if tree or bush removal is planned. Some earthworks will be affected by the policy however earthworks for certain activities including fencing, tilling/hoeing, cultivation and harvesting of crops and construction and maintenance of stock races will remain unaffected by the proposed changes.
The Variation was initiated as a result of submissions to the Council’s District Plan seeking that a new zone be introduced which would protect the distinctive coastal and rural character of the west coast of Rodney. Because of the areas proximity to Auckland and its relative affordability when compared to the East Coast of Rodney, there has been increasing demand for the area to be developed.
The Council decided there was merit in investigating a West Coast zone, but considered that it should do this through a District Plan Variation process, so that the wider community could have input into plan rules.
The Council’s District Plan Manager, Peter Vari, says that the changes proposed in the Plan Variation will have an impact on the types of activities that can be undertaken along the West Coast and that it is important that people living in these areas are aware of what is being proposed.
“I would encourage people to visit the Council’s website to find out more about the changes and make a submission on the Variation if they wish to.”
Submissions on the Variation can be made until Friday 23 October and anyone is able to make a submission.
For more information on the West Coast Rural Policy see the agenda for the upcoming Strategy and Community meeting on Thursday 22 october.