Sections at one of the first Rotorua residential subdivisions to be classified for low-density environmentally conscious housing under the city's proposed new development plan have been placed on the market.
The new council plans segregate residential developments in Rotorua into five zones - encompassing low density, medium density, lakeside, rural specific to the Wharenui Rd area, and specific to the cultural and historical villages of Ohinemutu, Whakarewarewa, and Ngapuna.
The 12 sites at Lynmore Lake Vista Estate, east of the city, range in size from 540sq m to 972sq m. The subdivision is classified "Residential 1" in Rotorua Lakes Council's long-term development plan currently out for public consultation.
A "Residential 1" zoning allows for what the council describes as a "mix of single-storey and two-storey houses of various styles and materials, with a balance between built and natural elements".
The council zoning further outlines the zoning classifications as delivering a "sense of space around buildings which is enhanced by landscaping on site and other characteristics including low levels of noise and low traffic levels".
Bayleys Rotorua manager Beth Millard said the enclave had been specifically designed to meet the requirements of the yet-to-be-adopted council plan, located around a cul-de-sac with no through traffic.
"The developer has, for a number of years now, wholeheartedly supported and embraced the council's vision for the city's urban fringe. As with many provincial cities across New Zealand, Rotorua is seeing the expansion of its city limits, with a specific type of home buyer looking to buy within those "green belt" areas," Ms Millard said.
"Unlike Auckland or Wellington, though, green belt residents in the likes of Rotorua can comfortably live in urban fringe locations yet be only 10 minutes' commute from the CBD."
The 12 sites going under the auctioneer's hammer on March 26 will be the last within the Lynmore Lake Vista Estate subdivision - which was completed and sold down in 2004.
High-speed telecommunications, gas, electricity, water and sewerage connections are being laid.