8 November 2010
Eight thousand property owners have received a letter from Waipa District Council advising them that their property may be affected by proposed changes to heritage buildings, landscape areas or significant natural areas in the Waipa District Plan.
The Council released an informal draft version of its District Plan in mid-October so that Waipa residents and ratepayers would have more time to understand any proposed changes and could provide Council with feedback before formal notification and submissions in April next year.
The Council has heard from some residents but would like to hear from more. Council's strategy manager Gary Knighton hopes the letters to property owners with specific features on their properties will generate more feedback.
"The feedback we've received has focused on the importance of protecting the features that make Waipa special. Some of the new provisions in the draft Plan aim to do this through property development rules and subdivision incentives," Mr Knighton said.
"We are working really hard to ensure people's views are taken into account very early in the process so the final Plan is very reflective of what our community wants."
The District Plan guides how land can be used within the Waipa district. The draft District Plan contains a number of changes that may affect what land owners can do on their properties, what their neighbours can do, and what their community can do.
Mr Knighton said it was important that residents had a good understanding of what the Plan is, what changes are proposed, and how they or their business or property may be affected.
"It also gives people the opportunity to discuss any issues or concerns with Council, so that we can capture their feedback before we formally notify the Plan next year."
Feedback would be received until November 30. People wanting to discuss the changes in the plan can contact Council to arrange a meeting. Feedback can also be submitted on forms provided by the Council.
Copies of the draft Waipa District Plan, feedback forms and information sheets explaining the features and terminology in the draft Plan are available on www.waipa2050.co.nz and in Council offices and libraries in Te Awamutu and Cambridge.
For more information, please contact:
Jacqui Humm
Ph: 07 872 0062 or 027 532 1760
Email: jacqui.humm@waipadc.govt.nz