Time extension for Hokowhitu plan
Commissioners note and welcome progress being made on Hokowhitu rezoning issues
Chris Mitchell
The proposal to build Palmerston North’s next suburb on the former Massey University Hokowhitu campus is still alive, but the timeframe for making a decision has been extended.
Resource management commissioners adjourned a hearing on the proposed residential rezoning in December, asking for the city council, Wallace Development Ltd and the neighbouring Manawatu¯ Golf Club to do more homework.
The deadline of today has been extended, partly because the golf club has been preoccupied hosting the NZ PGA championships, to March 16.
Wallace Development Group bought the 10-hectare block with the intention of turning it into an up-market subdivision with about 130 homes.
One key sticking point was the potential for conflict on the boundary between new homes and the golf course, with the club labelling the proposal so flawed that it should be rejected.
The hearing panel chaired by commissioner Chris Mitchell disagreed, saying they considered residential development could be an appropriate use of the land.
However, safety issues and the potential for residents to complain about golf club activities were real concerns that needed to be taken seriously.
They also wanted the boundaries around reserves that would see a memorial grove retained along with a link to the Manawatu¯ River better defined.
More information was called for about traffic implications, and how landscaping would affect the look of Centennial Drive.
Council lawyer Nicholas Jessen said there had been positive talks and good progress was being made.
An agreement had been reached that the river link and kanuka grove and viewing area would be vested in the council as reserves.
Plans included protection for the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life commemorative kauri tree.
Jessen said the extra time was needed to receive more information on landscaping and traffic, and for Wallace Development to talk further with the golf club and Rangita¯ ne.