The end of Market Rd in Greytown. This is in the proposed area for development. PHOTO/EMILY IRELAND
South Wairarapa councillors were set to adopt the district’s spatial plan on Wednesday. Today, Local Democracy Reporting looks at what that means for Greytown.
The population of Greytown is set to grow by 1080 people over the next 30 years.
In that time, about 800 new homes will be needed to accommodate this. And a soon-to-be adopted spatial plan will allow this to happen; most could be developed within the next seven years.
South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC] started its spatial plan process in 2018 with the aim to develop a plan that set the long-term strategic direction for the district and “protect what is valued by communities, while responding to change, and providing new and appropriate opportunities for growth”.
After earlier public feedback, a draft plan went out for consultation at the end of March this year.
Councillors were set to approve the spatial plan for the whole district on Wednesday.
They will have two options for Greytown: develop 72 hectares for about 800 homes in the Jellicoe and Papawai area, or develop a reduced area of 54 hectares that can provide 650 homes, but also designate an additional area for growth at North St [100 homes] or Governors Green [100 homes].
Submissions received in the consultation process acknowledged that Greytown had a housing shortage.
Submitters said the largest gap in the housing market was within the mid-residential area and growth options should be brought forward, within the next three years, to be in line with Martinborough and Featherston.
Developing land in the Jellicoe-Papawai area had partial support in the consultation process. This land is zoned as rural production land.
Of the 75 Greytown residents who submitted, many agreed it was a logical extension of the town boundary, but they raised concerns about the size of the zone, potential stormwater, and ponding issues, as well as the reduction of primary production land.
They requested that the size of the area be reduced to avoid production landand wetter areas.
After council hearings, councillors also asked that the area be redefined.
The original growth area was 72 hectares, and the redefined area is 54 hectares.
If the reduced option is chosen, SWDC would designate an additional area for further investigation: North St or Governors Green.
A report to council said the Jellicoe-Papawai area would provide new residential properties within the short term [three to seven years].
Once the growth areas for each town have been finalised, more detailed investigations and implementation will commence.
Greytown submission quick facts
- • 41 per cent of submitters requested increased density within the town to provide more affordable housing options and options for elderly who do not need large houses.
- • On the opposite side of this, 42 per cent of submitters requested increased lot sizes from the current 400m2 minimum and 500m2 average to better reflect the traditional use and heritage values of Greytown. —NZLDR
