A message for all neighbours and users of Sparks Park

Steve from Carterton District

At the Carterton council meeting on 18/09/2019, a submission to consider substantial changes to Sparks Park was approved.

This submission has the backing of the Sparks park trustees and is being done in order for a sub division to be built on adjoining land.

Ultimately the decision will be made by the minister of Conservation and there will be a brief opportunity for the community to make submissions.

Minutes of the meeting have not yet been updated but you can find out more about the submission in the meeting’s agenda here docs.cdc.govt.nz...

As a daily user and as a nearby resident of Sparks Park I do not want the proposed changes to proceed and I will be making a submission to council accordingly.

These changes involve a land swap deal with the developer which ultimately will make Sparks park a bigger park with additional amenities. While that sounds a great deal, I am not convinced bigger is going to make it any better. The old proverb 'beware of strangers bearing gifts' springs to mind.

The subdivision, which will only go ahead if this submission is successful, will fundamentally change the nature of the surrounding area. The park will no longer look out over paddocks filled with grazing stock but instead over a high density urban development. The area around Sparks park is presently a quiet and sleepy corner of Carterton, with bigger sections, trees and animals where the urban environment merges quietly into the traditional New Zealand rural landscape. In my opinion, a high density development in this area is not going to improve anything for Sparks Park users or local residents.

There are probably a multitude of other reasons people can think of for why this is not a good idea. Increased traffic levels, building on a potential flood zone are possible examples.

Something you need to be aware of is that at the council meeting, it was said the proposed sub division, a plan for which has not yet been submitted to council, may not require public consultation.

So, if like me you do not want to see a subdivision like this going ahead in this area, then you need to start the fight now and oppose the Sparks park submission. You may not get another opportunity.

You can make your own submission to council in writing and here are some guidelines to help you do this

mstn.govt.nz...

E & OE
Steve Hart