Proposed plan change to consolidate Whanganui's industrial zones

A proposed Whanganui plan change includes guidelines for subdivision and development in the Mill Rd industrial area. Photo / Bevan Conley

A new plan for proposed changes to Whanganui's industrial zones has been approved for public notification.

Whanganui District Council's strategy and finance committee approved the proposed plan change 54 which is phase 9 of the progressive review of the Whanganui District Plan.

Council principal policy planner Gavin McCullagh said the plan aimed to consolidate industrial zones into a single general industrial zone as well as amend the zoning of some properties for greater consistency with current and surrounding uses.

McCullagh said the majority of industrial activities in Whanganui were currently located around Heads Rd West, Heads Rd East, Mill Rd, London St, Aramoho, Eastown, and Putiki.

Research conducted on the demand for industrial land from 2018 to 2019 revealed a 30-year growth demand of 36.2 hectares of industrial land.

"The proposed changes consolidate all industrial zone provisions into a single General Industrial Zone, amend the zoning of some properties for greater consistency with current and surrounding uses, and amend the zoning of other sites to correct anomalies."

The plan outlines specific provisions to guide subdivision and development in the Mill
Rd industrial area, including an associated structure plan that has been prepared
for the area.

The proposed plan change also takes into account the ability for industrial uses to be located in the Outer Commercial Zone.

McCullagh said he wrote to affected landowners late last year and has had subsequent discussions with most of them.

Extensive discussions with stakeholders had informed the plan, he said.

Councillor Helen Craig asked about St Mary's School in Aramoho where a section of the grounds is currently zoned industrial.

McCullagh said the area is used by the school and a zone change classification would identify its correct usage.

Councillor Rob Vinsen asked if business properties subject to a change of classification would face changes to valuations and ratings.

"While they continue their existing use there won't be any changes," McCullagh said.

The plan also outlines a proposal to change the current management of hazardous materials and contaminated land to bring it in line with national Resource Management regulations.

The proposed Plan Change has been drafted in accordance with the National Planning Standards, consistent with the operative District Plan.