1000 new homes or millionaires’ playground?

A hopeful developer argues its 1000-house development in Okura would be better for the environment than Auckland Council’s alternative.

Okura Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Todd Property, has appeared in the Environment Court to appeal Auckland Council’s 2016 decision to reject a recommendation for the Unitary Plan to include moving the ruralurban boundary to make way for the development.

Okura Holdings’ lawyer Sue Simons told the court the council’s alternative of 29 lots deemed ‘‘countryside living’’ would become a ‘‘millionaire’s playground’’. She said the countryside living option would place no obligations on owners to protect or enhance the land and would shut out the public from the area.

‘‘This will become a millionaires’ playground which can be looked on from afar by the rest of Auckland,’’ she argued.

Okura Holdings argued it was addressing one of council’s fundamental needs, housing.

Simons said the infrastructure requirements for development were already present in the area in the Long Bay development. These included storm and wastewater infrastructure and the base for traffic infrastructure.

Simons acknowledged the site was sensitive but argued Okura Holdings had the capacity to develop the area without negatively affecting it.

In response to concerns around the potential sedimentation running off the site into the marine reserve, Simons said, in the longterm, Okura Holdings’ proposal would result in less sedimentation as a result of riparian planting and sediment controls.

A key part of Okura Holdings’ argument touched on its proposal to include 55 hectares of public open space. This would act as an extension to the Long Bay Regional Park, Simons said.

‘‘Auckland Council does not have unlimited funds to acquire

‘‘This will become a millionaires' playground.’’

Sue Simons

reserves, to not explore options such as this ... is bewildering.’’

She asked the Environment Court to agree with the Unitary Plan Independent Hearings Panel and move the boundary.

‘‘It is backed by a willing developer with the means to develop and a history of positive outcomes.’’

The appeal runs till September 29. The court had already heard from Auckland Council and the Long Bay-Okura Great Park Society. .

TODD PROPERTY/SUPPLIED Moving the rural urban boundary would allow for a 1000-house development adjacent to the marine reserve.