North West Whanganui re-zoned for houses

Published on 14 September 2018

14 September 2018

In a landmark decision, rural land in the North West of Whanganui has been rezoned to residential, with the potential for more than 450 houses to be built.

Around 50ha of land, south of Great North Road behind Tirimoana Place, has been rezoned as part of a change to the District Plan by Whanganui District Council on 11 September 2018.

Principal Planner Hamish Lampp says amending the District Plan to allow the area to become residential is one of the most significant opportunities for residential development seen in Whanganui for many years.

“We have identified the need for more residential land for our growing population. Rezoning the rural area in the North West of Whanganui is on a scale not seen for many years. The rezoning releases rural land for residential development and also removes infill restrictions on existing urban sections.

“It is expected that well over 450 houses could be developed in this area in the next four decades, which will increase housing stock and create local jobs during construction. The rezoning is a significant boon for the local economy and development industry in particular.

“This is not unplanned urban sprawl.  It is well planned, carefully co-ordinated growth that creates additional housing choice for current residents as well as new residents who will come to Whanganui,” says Mr Lampp.

The plan change took three years to complete with the input of Te Runanga O Tupoho, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, New Zealand Transport Agency, landowners and public submitters who were all engaged during the process. All of the land which has been rezoned is privately owned.

A Northwest Structure Plan has been prepared for the area for stormwater, wastewater, roading and other infrastructure networks with four new roads connecting Great North Road, Taylor Road and Tirimoana Place with potential new developments. A cultural values report and archeological assessment also informed the rezoning process.

An independent panel of commissioners met in December 2017 to hear submissions and deliberate on the plan change.

The panel endorsed the plan change subject to minor variations, including the need to identify any sites of cultural significance.  

“Once this work has been completed residential development of the area will be advanced,” says Mr Lampp.

To find out more, visit www.whanganui.govt.nz/pc46