Carterton plan draws mixed reply

Fourteen submissions have been received on the southern structure plan for Carterton, with submitters showing mixed feelings on the proposal.

The plan is to enable further development in Carterton South which supports good urban design, and the changes largely control the size of potential subdivision lots.

The proposal zones different parts of the town and outlines different minimal section sizes in each area, as well as addressing the lack of internal connections such as roads and walkways.

Submissions on the changes were heard by the Wairarapa combined planning committee last Thursday.

Resident Alan Eastergaard opposes the proposals on section sizes as he said they effectively prevented any future developments in the area. He said the roading design was impractical.

Stephen Yeats has been largely in favour of the plan, but the latest changes leave his land effectively landlocked as some of the proposed access routes have been changed.

He said under the existing proposal the entire area of south east Carterton will remain without access, and the area was just as worthy of development as any part of the town.

Tomlinson and Carruthers Surveyors generally support the framework of the plan, but note there will be reduced opportunities for people to plan and develop a variety of sections.

KiwiRail is looking to protect it's ability to operate and maintain the railway, which falls into the zoning, as maintenance work on nights and weekends can disturb neighbours.

The New Zealand Fire Commission asked the committee to consider a sufficient water supply and access for fire fighting purposes in any future developments.

A final decision on the proposed changes will be made by the end of next month.