FROM THE NEWS DESK

Pressure to release more land for residential development continues to mount on the Waipa district. On the one hand there is mayor, Jim Mylchreest, realising the desperate need for more land, is asking staff to do what they can to speed up the process of finding new areas ideal for development. The staff, in turn, are suggesting a much more cautious approach, so it does not leave the council exposed to an inundation of development applications. Approving more development in a rapid manner could put a strain on Waipa’s current facilities. But not doing so could push up property prices. In the background, various commercial and accommodation developments are ticking over and are expected to be completed some time this year. Some have gone back to the drawing board to revisit their plans, prompted by the demand for commercial space. Tourism bosses are also urging Waipa to increase its accommodation offering, as more tourists explore the Waikato.

Lawrence Gullery