Takaka subdivision divides
Two long-time Takaka dairy farmers say they have an ideal low-cost development opportunity, if only the council would get on with approving it.
Developers Rose and Philip Windle have been trying to get a resource consent approved for a 25-lot subdivision development on Park Ave, 2km from the town.
The pair hope to fill a huge demand by creating an affordable subdivision, except the Tasman District Council, they say, is ‘‘dragging its feet’’ on the matter.
Philip Windle said all the technical information had been done, and all it needed was a tick from council.
‘‘It feels like they’re trying to make it harder for us rather than helping us,’’ he said.
‘‘We don’t need this subdivision financially for ourselves, we need this for the community.’’
The development is located above the flood plain, is adjacent to the new recreation facility and sports grounds, and is within walking distance to the township, the health centre and Central Takaka school.
The soil is flat and easy to develop, has wastewater reticulation connections, and water and power already on site.
But council staff recommended the application be turned down, and told the Windles they needed to fix the stormwater problems at Park Ave first. This is largely because of neighbours’ objections about the historical flooding, and fears they might be exacerbated by a new development.
The Windles feel it is more about ’’not in my patch’’ rather than the stormwater itself.
Windle said the council’s floodplain modelling was incor- rect. The stormwater that pools around lower Park Ave during heavy rain events actually flows from the adjacent hill that borders SH60, and then flows on to the Windle property downstream.
Councillor Paul Sangster agrees the flooding doesn’t come from the Windle’s property.
‘‘I can understand council’s concern, but they should be more proactive in their approach in getting it right and working with the developers,’’ he said.
But Park Ave neighbours have a different story.
Rex Heuvel is concerned flooding will be exacerbated by a subdivision and the road was already too narrow and unsafe.
Neighbour Nina Griffiths has similar concerns. ‘‘I’m not opposed to providing more affordable homes, just the way they want to do it.’’
Council spokesperson Richard Liddicoat said he understood the consent process was frustrating. ‘‘But you have to be careful that further down the line there aren’t any unintended effects that cause issues. Certainly council is open to having a dialogue about this.’’