Residents fear proposed development could tarnish their town’s rural character
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Amberley residents fear a proposed development could tarnish the North Canterbury town’s rural character.
UWC Limited has submitted a resource consent application with the Hurunui District Council to expand The Clearing subdivision with sections as small as 400m2.
The subdivision, located between Amberley Beach and Carters roads, already had 123 sections established in the first two stages.
The application proposes creating a further 201 sections ranging in size from 400m2 to 1028m2, with the vast majority below 700m2.
Resident Vanessa McPherson said the proposal would put Amberley’s rural character at risk.
“It could lead to having a McDonald’s and vape shops, and people don’t want Hurunui to turn into that kind of place.”
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said the proposal would introduce “higher density housing than we would have expected” and could bring 400 new residents to the town.
The Hurunui District Plan allowed for just 20% of sections to be smaller than 700m2 for residential 1A zone.
“The 700m2 rule is an arbitrary number. It’s about how the rural character and amenity of the town is reflected,” Dobbie said.
“But we know nationally this is changing, so it’s no surprise higher density housing has come out our way.
“The question will be what the public thinks.”
Other variations to the District Plan, included several sections not meeting the 15m by 15m shape factor requirement.
The proposed subdivision also did not comply with the minimum 20m road width, and the provision of a footpath on both sides of the road.
McPherson said while she supported growth, the sheer number of sections would put pressure on existing community services.
“I feel growth is inevitable, but let's grow on our terms.
“There’s so many different factors to consider. We’re getting a lot of retirees, but the Amberley Medical Centre is already bulging at the seams.”
Dobbie said the council had completed work to expand the town’s waste water capacity and work was under way to extend the town’s drinking water supplies.
“Other services such as the medical centre, schools and shops are down to other people to provide, but our view is that growth will lead to a growth in those services.”
McPherson said neighbours were expressing concerns about the development, but were unsure how to respond.
“I feel very strongly that this subdivision is taking us down a path the community doesn’t want to go down.”
Dobbie encouraged residents to have their say and to give reasons for their views to help inform the planners.
The full application can be viewed on the Hurunui District Council website.
Submissions close on Friday, September 16.
Planning commissioners will be appointed to hear the submissions.
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Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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