September 2023 Newsletter

 Looking to the horizon

During August we had the opportunity to have Tim, a senior student from Kingsway School, in the office for work experience. Tim is interested in a career in planning and we have been able to give him a little taste of the industry.

In this months project focus, Planner Stephanie McWalter discusses the private plan changes to the Kaiapara District.

Pictured: Survey Manager Richard Bromley chatting with Tim about how surveying and planning are closley intertwined.

Staff Profile Stephanie McWalter - Planner

Stephanie is our longest serving employee. She previously worked at Thurlows for a long time (her words) before the company was rebranded to Horizon in 2019.

Stephaine started out as a draughtsperson before honing her skills as a planner. She has extensive knowledge of planning in the Auckland region. Stephanie enjoys hiking and recently walked Stewart Island.

Project Focus: What is a plan change?

A Plan Change is an amendment to an operative District Plan. Plan Changes can be initiated either by Council or members of the public (private plan change), although usually the applicants are landowners or developers. Plan changes will normally provide greater flexibility in terms of development options and long-term management for the developer. However, any change proposed always requires community consultation as part of the process and can be amended and regulated through the submission and hearing process.

Proposed Private Plan Change 83

Kaipara District Council are currently assessing two private plan changes which seek to rezone land within the Mangawhai urban area. Proposed Private Plan Change 83 (PPC 83) seeks to rezone land at Cove Road and Mangawhai Heads Road from rural to residential and create a precinct to be known as the Cove Road North Precinct. PPC 84 seeks to rezone the block of land between Tara Road, Cove Road, Moir Road, and Old Waipu Road (‘Mangawhai Hills’), again from rural to residential. The purpose of these plan changes is to develop a master plan strategy to allow residential expansion while also protecting the environment. PPC83 is now closed for submissions and Council will hold a hearing where submitters can be heard prior to a decision being made. Submissions for PPC84 close shortly.

How we can help

At Horizon we are involved in many land development projects around Mangawhai on behalf of our clients. While there is considerable demand for subdivision and housing supply in and around the township there are some significant issues involved for the community and we wait with keen interest to learn the outcome of these proposed plan change decisions.

If you would like to have your say about a Plan Change that affects you or your community, or you may wish to apply for a private plan change, give our team at Horizon a call. With extensive experience in urban and rural development we can assist in the submission and /or plan change process.