Hastings land rezone request approved

The cost is projected to total more than $45 million. So far the development features two and three-storey townhouses with views to Te Mata
peak ... Summerset Homes has had a rezoning request for land beside its Ada St, Hastings, retirement-home complex granted by Hawke's Bay District Council.
The land will be rezoned from Plains zone to General Residential.
A report to the council's Hearings Committee on May 27 erred on the side of rejection but the committee reconvened on Wednesday and allowed the change, after council staff reviewed the committee's decision.
The 1.39ha comprised lots in separate ownership, the owners having agreed to the rezoning.
Reasons for the decision included:
Rezoning did not undermine land planning strategies due to its small scale
It gave stimulus to other developments
The character of the development's neighbouring properties were in keeping with the development
It would help meet the demand for residential development
The land was unsuitable for horticultural production due to the density of residential development already on it
Submitters against the zone change were Hawke's Bay Fruit Growers Association, The Hawke's Bay A & P Society, and June Graham of Taradale.
The Plains zone protects fertile soils.
A case is awaiting a decision from the Environment Court to rezone a Pakowhai Rd Plains zone, brought on appeal by Australian building-supply retailer Bunnings after the council rejected its decision.
The total cost of the gated development is projected to total more than $45 million on completion. So far the development features two and three-storey townhouses with views to Te Mata peak, stand-alone villas, two-bedroom townhouses and 1.5 bedroom townhouses. The hub of the village is a complex, comprising a bowling green, cafe, gym and library.
Summerset has overhauled its insurance policy throughout its 12 retirement villages to be able to pay out the full value of units in the event of a natural disaster.