Developer continues battle
An Environment Court appeal around development near a marine reserve will centre around the need for housing, the protection of the marine environment and an extension of public land.
Todd Property wants to build roughly 750 houses in Okura but Auckland Council’s governing body quashed the recommendation to extend the rural urban boundary to allow the development, in August, 2016.
Todd Property managing director Evan Davies, says the company is appealing the decision.
Davies says the opposition to the development of the land, which is owned by Okura Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Todd Property, is centred around concerns the effect development would have on Okura Estuary and the marine reserve.
Todd Property has been developing similar land in Long Bay for nine years now, he says.
‘‘We can and will look after the marine reserve,’’ Davies says. ‘‘We’ve done exactly this for a long time successfully.’’
Davies says the development would half the amount of sediment flowing naturally off that land, through planting and design. The plans for the roughly 130 hectare site also include 55ha of public park land and coastal access.
‘‘The alternative is it turns into a gated community with no public access anywhere. How is that a good idea?’’ Davies says. ‘‘How we have a great park society campaigning so determinedly to not make their park greater?.’’
Davies says the proposal will also address Auckland’s ‘‘desperate shortage of housing’’.
‘‘Here we’ve got the land for 750 houses and even better all the infrastructure required to service those houses is already in place because we built it, as part of Long Bay … We’re going to provide a spectacular extension to the regional park and ensure public coastal access forever.’’
The company is expecting to go through a mediation process later in the year, before appearing before the Environment Court.
The proposal has been met with consistent opposition from residents concerned about the marine reserve and the area’s landscape and character. For more visit Todd’s website, okuraresidential.co.nz.