Key Takeaways
- The proposed Ohoka housing development in North Canterbury is still uncertain, with the developer withdrawing its Environment Court appeal against the Waimakariri District Council’s decision to reject the private plan change.
- The developer is proceeding with an appeal against the Waimakariri District Plan, which is one of 21 appeals against the plan.
- The proposed development was included in the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Act, but independent commissioners recommended it be declined.
- The Oxford-Ohoka Community Board and the Ohoka Residents’ Association will be opposing the development in the Environment Court hearing.
- The process has been frustrating for residents, with no clear end in sight.
Introduction to the Proposed Development
The fate of a proposed North Canterbury housing development remains uncertain, more than two years after the Waimakariri District Council first rejected it. The proposed Ohoka housing development, which would consist of 850 homes, was included for consideration in the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Act, along with proposed sub-divisions in west Rangiora and Gressons Road, Woodend. However, independent commissioners recommended that the Ohoka development be declined, citing concerns about its impact on the local community and environment.
The Appeal Process
Rolleston Industrial Developments Limited, the company behind the proposed development, has withdrawn its Environment Court appeal against the council’s November 2023 decision to reject the private plan change. However, the company is proceeding with an appeal against the Waimakariri District Plan, which was adopted in June. This appeal is one of 21 appeals against the District Plan, and no date has been set for the Environment Court hearing. The company also has the option of applying to the Ministry for the Environment for the project to be considered under the fast-track process, after it was listed in the Fast-track Approvals Act last year.
Community Opposition
The Oxford-Ohoka Community Board and the Ohoka Residents’ Association are among the interested parties named for the court hearing and will be opposing the development. Thomas Robson, deputy chairperson of the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board, expressed frustration with the drawn-out process, stating that it was "rather frustrating" and that "there’s no light at the end of the tunnel." He also noted that the process seems very unclear, which is causing uncertainty for residents. The community board and residents’ association are concerned about the potential impact of the development on the local community and environment, and are opposing the development to protect the interests of local residents.
The Fast-Track Approvals Act
The proposed Ohoka housing development was included in the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Act, which aims to streamline the approval process for certain developments. However, the fact that independent commissioners recommended that the development be declined suggests that the fast-track process may not be as straightforward as expected. The company’s decision to appeal against the District Plan and potentially apply for fast-track approval under the Act suggests that the development is still a long way from being approved or rejected.
The Uncertain Future
The uncertain future of the proposed Ohoka housing development is causing frustration for local residents, who are eager to know what will happen to the project. The lack of clarity around the appeal process and the potential for further delays is making it difficult for residents to plan for the future. The Oxford-Ohoka Community Board and the Ohoka Residents’ Association will continue to oppose the development, and the Environment Court hearing will ultimately determine the fate of the project. However, for now, the future of the proposed Ohoka housing development remains uncertain, leaving residents in limbo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposed Ohoka housing development in North Canterbury remains uncertain, with the developer withdrawing its Environment Court appeal against the Waimakariri District Council’s decision to reject the private plan change. The company is proceeding with an appeal against the Waimakariri District Plan, and the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board and the Ohoka Residents’ Association will be opposing the development in the Environment Court hearing. The process has been frustrating for residents, with no clear end in sight, and the uncertain future of the development is causing concern for the local community. The Environment Court hearing will ultimately determine the fate of the project, but for now, the proposed Ohoka housing development remains in limbo.