Residents to have their say
Change is coming to Porirua’s rural communities and last week residents had the chance to influence the plan that will steer development in Pauatahanui and Judgeford.
Porirua City Council has heard oral submissions on the proposed Pauatahanui Judgeford Structure Plan, which will guide development and growth in the area in the coming decades.
The construction of Transmission Gully, a desire for more ruralresidential blocks and the subsequent effects on the landscape and Pauatahanui Inlet are at the heart of the plan.
Twenty-one public submissions on the proposal were received.
Pauatahanui landowner Diane Strugnell was concerned whether the ideals of the plan could be met, ‘‘or is this another document that sits in the pile?’’.
‘‘The intensification of land use will occur in lower areas as demand increases for lifestyle blocks. Revegetation will become more difficult to achieve, it is getting harder for people to have positive visions.’’
Ms Strugnell said having lightindustrial activity in the area would not contribute to social activities in Pauatahanui, which would continue to be focused around the school.
She also spoke on behalf of the Pauatahanui Residents Association, who were concerned about the loss of rural ambience, housing density and revegetation.
Kevin Gwynn, a Judgeford resident for 20 years, said the plan required plenty of refinement, especially around issues of financial contributions and esplanade reserves. He wanted to see a safe cycleway along the length of SH58, which was ‘‘ too narrow, has no shoulder and is an accident waiting to happen’’.
Other aspects of the plan include the landuse of Lanes Flat, opposite the substation just past the Pauautahanui roundabout, and whether a proposed small village at the intersection of SH58 and Moonshine Rd would be viable.
This ‘‘ clustered development’’ would see a mix of light industry, shops and rural-residential lots.
Branz chief executive Pieter Burghout said his company had no concerns with the plan.
‘‘Our board made a commitment three years ago to stay in Judgeford [after considering a move to Auckland] and we have made substantial investment there. I have a photo 10 years ago of bare paddocks – we are much busier now. We set fire to things and make noise but are good neighbours.’’
When asked by mayor Nick Leggett what he thought of a business park in Judgeford, Mr Burghout said while Branz had ‘‘ not turned [their] mind to that’’, they would support like-minded businesses setting up there.
The council’s committee will consider recommendations from the hearing on October 25.