Local Federated Farmers is holding two public meetings next week to express its concerns about the proposed Electricity Transmission Buffer Zones that will take up more farmland and create additional restricted activities.
The new buffer zones, totalling 64 metres in width, have been included in the Western Bay council's draft district plan at the request of national grid operator, Transpower.
There would be new rules for earthworks, buildings and subdivision within the zone, and Federated Farmers says even deer fences and water tanks would need resource consents.
At present, there's an agreed 24-metre-wide safety zone underneath the transmission lines.
Federated Farmers, which has made submissions opposing the zones, believes Transpower is trying to restrict activities through the District Plan, rather than negotiating easement agreements with individual landowners.
The affected landowners believe their properties will drop in value. A hearing before a planning commissioner will be held on April 17.
The public meetings will be held at Trevelyan's Pack & Cool, 310 No 1 Rd, Te Puke on Tuesday evening and at Tauriko School Hall on Wednesday, both at 7pm.
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