Subject to positive outcomes of discussions with relevant landowners and preliminary investigations, the structure planning and rezoning of the identified Upper Ohauiti growth area within the Tauranga City boundary would progress through the Tauranga City Plan review, Jones said.
"We will also engage with Māori Land Trusts in the area about future land use aspirations, and consider the provision of commercial land in the area through the Tauranga City Plan review.
"The transport system plan, in combination with structure planning of Upper Ohauiti, will allow us to explore more options to improve transport choice and connectivity in the area."
About the study and its findings
Council has conducted the study of the Welcome Bay and Ohauiti area given the growth pressures facing these suburbs and the wider city.
The first stage of the study identified properties which could be suitable for urban development. The now completed second stage explored infrastructure capacity.
The study looked at how, and at what cost, it would be possible to provide for residential growth with water, stormwater and wastewater connections and roading upgrades.
It also looked at the need for schools and community facilities and more retail and commercial land to support residential growth, as well as current residents.
The study assessed the capacity of infrastructure and services to cope with the demand from three population growth scenarios: business as usual, moderate and high growth.
It found that most infrastructure and services could be upgraded or extended to cope with population growth. This would require additional budget to be allocated in council's long-term planning and detailed assessments of any land proposed for rezoning and development.
However, the study found that the road network around Welcome Bay Rd would not function well if additional traffic was generated due to significant residential growth.
The effects of growth on traffic congestion were modelled for three options: a ring road south of Welcome Bay and Ohauiti, a bypass around the most congested part of Welcome Bay Road and an east-west link road between Welcome Bay, Poike and Oropi.
While the east-west link road option performed best, further analysis found it was unfeasible due to high cost, numerous environmental effects, and the likelihood that it won't solve congestion entirely.
In conclusion, taking the technical assessments and modelling into account, significant new housing development in Welcome Bay is unfeasible unless solutions to traffic congestion can be found, the study said.
Recommendations to address the findings of the study were discussed and endorsed by council today.
Source: Tauranga City Council
