Omokoroa open days well attended

Omokoroa's open days on future development drew about 150 people over two sessions with interest high on all key topics.

The open days on 24 and 27 November, hosted by Western Bay of Plenty District Council, were an opportunity for people to share their views on the peninsula's future development.

Council staff talked about topics including arts and heritage; the local economy; the environment; recreation and leisure; transport and access around the peninsula and the land use and built form (how the area looks and feels) of the peninsula.

The open days focused on the next 40 years of development - specifically the area between Prole Road and State Highway 2.

This area has the capacity to home around 9000 new residents, and accommodate schools, parks, shops and other amenities.

Council's Planning Manager Phillip Martelli was impressed with the number of people attending the open days and the good feedback given to staff.

We got a good idea of what people want, but equally as important, they told us what they don't want to happen.''

For those who did not make the open days, online feedback is welcome until the end of this week, 8 December 2017.

All the information gained from the open days, online feedback and from questionnaires and comments will be taken into account when creating the structure plan.

Council will return to the community in March-April next year with some design options.

For online submissions and more detail visit haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz.