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Tasman District Council Pushes Ahead with Re-Zoning Plan Despite Criticism

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the Tasman District Council heads into the final weeks before the election, it has secretly made a decision to move forward with its re-zoning plans, sparking criticism from mayoral candidate Timo Neubauer. The plan, known as Plan Change 81, aims to rezone large areas of the district to accommodate more housing, introduce a new medium-density zone, and allocate land for commercial and industrial use. Neubauer has taken issue with the proposal, citing concerns about the loss of productive land, inaccurate demand forecasts, and a lack of transparency.

Key Takeaways:

  • Plan Change 81 aims to rezone 29 hectares in Hope from rural to light industrial and mixed business, sparking opposition from a 400-signature petition presented by Neubauer.
  • The council's environmental policy manager, Barry Johnson, acknowledged the "real tension" between protecting productive land and greenfield growth, but stated that growth needs to be feasible and realistic.
  • Neubauer criticized the council for making the decision in private session and close to the election, claiming it undermines transparency and accountability.
  • Johnson argued that the council is facing legal pressure to rezone more land, with a 360-home shortfall expected between 2028-2034.
  • The council plans to notify the plan change, initiating the process for formal submissions, despite Neubauer's pleas for a delay until after the election.
  • A streamlined planning process is being explored, which could allow the council to speed up the process and limit appeals.

Statistics:

  • 400 signatures on Neubauer's petition opposing the rezoning of 29 hectares in Hope.
  • 360-home shortfall expected in Tasman between 2028-2034.
  • 2-3 years estimated time to conclude Plan Change 81 process.
  • 9 months estimated time for a new council to get up to speed on the 2000-page project.
  • Total land area proposed for rezoning under Plan Change 81: 29 hectares.

Sources:

  • Local Democracy Reporting, "Tasman District Council pushes ahead with contentious re-zoning plans", November [year not specified] (Note: Reference does not include a specific date, and it is not provided in the original text. Source will be cited as is, without adding a date).

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