Franklin District Mayor Heather Maloney. Picture / Paul Estcourt

Franklin District Mayor Heather Maloney. Picture / Paul Estcourt

In the second and final part of a series, ARNOLD PICKMERE looks at how population growth from Auckland is affecting rural Franklin.

What would happen if another 20,000 people were to move to rural Franklin, south of Auckland, by the year 2021?

That's the question facing council planners as they try to cope with increasing numbers of lifestylers who move from the city and subdivide the district's prosperous market garden landscape into smaller and smaller pockets.

The first effect would be to raise the population to about 76,000. Planners think the main towns such as Pukekohe (now 13,110-plus), Waiuku and Tuakau will continue to grow. One estimate suggests 65 per cent of the growth will be in these urban areas.

But demand for "lifestyle" properties means that areas around small villages and in coastal areas will also get more people. The challenge is make sure that:

* The attractive character of the Franklin countryside does not suffer too much.

* Environmental matters in the district get better treatment.

* That the district's valuable, versatile soils, in which about a third of New Zealand's vegetables are grown, remain available for use.

* Commercial farming, including dairying, remains possible.

Over the past five years Franklin District Council has been working out a Rural Plan Change, to deal with population growth, with aims and rules replacing the District Plan sections dealing with rural areas.

Right now it is still struggling to resolve objections and get at least some of its ideas in place before some councillors and the mayor, Heather Maloney, retire at the coming local body elections.

Some of the targets of the Rural Plan Change include:

Villages and coastal areas

Allowing more population growth in rural and coastal areas such as Clarks Beach, on the shores of the Manukau Harbour (with provisos about erosion and other environmental protections).

There is also the possibility of subdivisions where part of the development involves environmental lots, protecting and restoring or enhancing significant natural and cultural features.

Not everyone will like more people in their beach bach spot or rural village.