Greytown is gearing up for about 400 new residential lots. PHOTO/HAYLEY GASTMEIER
HAYLEY GASTMEIER
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A parcel of land severely contaminated with arsenic has been dropped from a plan to expand Greytown’s residential zone.
The section on the corner of Mole St and Wood St had an arsenic reading of 71mg/kg, a little more than four times over the National Environmental Standard (NES) for residential and lifestyle blocks of 17mg/kg.
The contaminated soil was discovered during tests being carried out on land earmarked for residential development by the South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC).
A council meeting on Wednesday was told that due to expensive remedial measures that may be insufficient, the 1.9ha section had been struck from the project, previously known as the Future Development Area (FDA).
The ‘future’ was redacted from the project’s name on Wednesday — a sign that things are pressing ahead.
Consultants, Honor Clark and Michael Hewison, presented the final structure plan for the Greytown Development Area (GDA) to the council, which adopted the six recommendations that would see the project progress.
The FDA was included in the Wairarapa Combined District Plan about 10 years ago, and encompasses land bordered by Mole St, Wood St, West St and Kuratawhiti St.
It is estimated the area, under multiple ownership, would allow for up to an additional 450 residential lots and provide for at least 10 years’ growth for Greytown.
Access into the sub-dividable land would be via West St through a 17m-wide designated road.
This designated area would include an 8.4m carriageway, grass berms, a footpath and a cycle track.
The road, which would run through the spine of the GDA, would be named Farley Avenue, reflecting the historical connection the Farley family have with the land as previous owners.
A reserve that will cater for resident’s recreational needs will run alongside the avenue and incorporate a branch of the Moroa Water Race.
As well as the cycleway, the reserve will feature a walking path, native plantings, lawns, spaced seating, and lighting.
Trees would also be established to enhance the landscape and maintain Greytown’s character.
Mrs Clark said the structure plan would give developers a framework to work within, and its design objectives had been decided through consultation with landowners, surveyors, real estate agents and the Greytown Community Board.
SWDC planning and environment manager Murray Buchanan said the proposed district plan changes and structure plan would be publicly notified in the coming weeks.
Once this process begins, people will have no less than 20 days to make submissions.
An opportunity for further submissions will arise and, if required, hearings are likely be carried out around March or April next year.
Submitters have the right to appeal any decisions made by the council through this process to the Environment Court.
I would be very suspicious of the soil arsenic concentrations in the land included in the project as it appears to be under the same land use (orchards) and therefore likely to have been exposed to historic arsenic based sprays to control insects.
Makes you wonder where the removal of top soil has been dumped or reused..just like the rest of the new sub divisions on old orchards 20.3.20