Subdivision gets the nod

One of the largest subdivisions seen in the Carterton district was given approval by the Carterton District Council yesterday, but with some strings attached.
The owners and developers, John and Shirley Cameron, operating as Cameron Holdings Ltd, must prove that the 29ha they want to break up into 53 lots are appropriate for residential development. That mainly means they must show the land is not subject to major subsidence and it is clear of any contamination from former timber treatment activity.
Around half of the site had been a World War II army camp and eventual dumping ground for camp equipment, including vehicles. Part of the land is also registered with the Greater Wellington Regional Council as a contaminated site because it was once used by a timber mill.
No soil sampling has been undertaken by the regional council and the resource consent requests a site investigation be carried out to check for contamination risk, not only from the timber mill but from past farming practices.
The property is also at risk of flooding from the Mangatarere Stream and therefore limitations on building sites are requested from an engineer.
The development involves land between Kent Street and Andersons Line to the north.
A walkway is proposed to bisect the development, allowing pedestrians to walk between the two streets. The conditions stipulate that a footpath be constructed along the lifestyle blocks frontage in Andersons Line and that each of the six blocks have sealed entranceways.
Sewage disposal was also a stipulation, with the eight lifestyle blocks required to have their own treatment systems. The existing water main in Carrington Drive, off Kent Street will be carried on to supply the new subdivision.
A drain is also requested on the southern boundary to alleviate any risk of surface flooding.
Of the 53 lots, 47 are for residential housing ranging in size from a 2ha block, two 1.6ha blocks down to small urban sections coming off Carrington Drive, which the Camerons developed three years ago.