Property proposal problems
For years it’s been recognised as Taranaki’s piece of paradise but now fears are building the beachside town of Oakura could be overwhelmed by newcomers.
Property developer Mike McKie has released plans of his proposed ‘‘Wairau Estate’’ online, which shows spaces for more than 400 new homes to be built within 20 to
40 years and invites public feedback on the plan.
The development, which is still to be submitted for council approval, could massively increase the population of the town from 1380 it currently has to close to 2500. That increase has many in the town concerned.
‘‘I’m definitely worried about it,’’ said Tanya Farrant, the general manager at the town’s Butlers Reef Hotel.
‘‘There’s definitely a large group wanting to see more consultation. You can’t throw in 400 houses and expect the village to cope.’’
McKie referred requests to discuss the proposal to the project’s planner and project coordinator Colin Comber. Comber said it was too early to comment on the proposal and said all information needed was on their website.
The proposed project is a continuation of McKie’s 2010 ‘‘The Paddocks’’ subdivision, which itself attracted opposition from Wairau Rd residents.
The new project, located beneath the Kaitake Ranges off State Highway 45, could see up to
14 equestrian lifestyle blocks and
399 residential lots developed on 58 hectares of land currently used for dairy farming.
Of the proposed 58 hectares in the Wairau Estate, 12 hectares have already been identified by the New Plymouth District Council as suitable for future urban development.
In the proposal, sections are sized from 300 square metres to
800sqm. These would be developed in stages with 10 to 20 lots built and ‘‘released for sale in response to demand’’. The entire area could take an estimated 20 to 40 years to be fully developed.
Developers also plan for the construction of a roundabout on the highway, a pedestrian underpass, walkways and revegetation.
But Farrant, who has lived in Oakura for 40 years, fears the proposal will be too large for the tiny town.
‘‘I’m not against change and I understand we need to grow but my main concerns are the amenities aren’t going to be enough,’’ she said.
The owner of the town’s Four Square shop, John Roberts, said it was far too early to comment on what the development might do for the town.
‘‘I’d like to wait and see what’s actually being submitted to council,’’ he said.
Ian Scott, who owns the land where Indian restaurant Cafe Mantra and Four Square sit, had his concerns about the town’s growth and its strain on infrastructure, but said he mostly welcomed the proposed development.
Scott said he has ‘‘a vision for the village’’ to accommodate a growing population.
And while he understood fears the village will change, Scott saw growth as a positive natural progression.
‘‘I’m for it,’’ he said. ‘‘You can’t stop progress.’’
All of the proposed area of the development is zoned rural.
A successful application to change this to residential zoning would be required before any housing development could be considered.
On the developer’s website it states such a plan change will be requested in the first quarter of 2018.
NPDC group manager strategy Liam Hodgetts said public submissions could be made once the application was lodged with council.