A 26ha coastal subdivision has been approved for Te Awa, Napier.
The 255-lot residential development was granted consent by independent commissioners after a hearing at Napier City Council in July.
The Te Awa Estates Ltd development, bordering Te Awa Ave and Kenny Rd, is next to an existing subdivision by the company,approved in 2005.
It had applied to develop 277 new sites, but changed its application in response to submissions.
Twenty submissions were received on the application, including 17 in opposition.
Many of the submissions were concerned about the potential for flooding if stormwater wasn't properly managed.
Commissioners found the existing Kenny Rd pumpstation was adequate to deal with stormwater, but Te Awa Estates must contribute to a future upgrade, if growth requires it.
Submitters also raised concerns about noise from the pumps, but commissioners said the sound of the main pumps was intermittent, and if heard by residents, "should provide an assurance that their homes will not be flooded".
Te Awa Estates must provide a 4.4ha reserve for stormwater storage, and widen the existing Cowshed drain to 40m.
It must vest both with the council as drainage reserves.
Other conditions of consent include providing walking and cycling tracks, roading works, traffic monitoring, and a 3000sq m park.
No work can begin on the project until the council approves engineering plans.
