Feedback sought on final draft Ōmokoroa Structure Plan

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is after community feedback on the final draft Ōmokoroa Structure Plan at two public ‘have your say’ sessions next month.

• Thursday 10 June, 4pm-7pm — Ōmokoroa Community Church
• Saturday 12 June, 10am-12pm — Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion

Council has previously consulted with landowners and the wider Ōmokoroa community on the Ōmokoroa Structure Plan. However, this process was put on hold pending the outcome of the town centre application by the JACE Group.

Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says the JACE town centre application was approved on Monday 10 May 2021 by a panel of independent planning commissioners.

“As a result, Council is now able to confirm the preferred layout of the Stage 3 area, which includes the land between the railway line and State Highway 2 – this will be the final stage on the peninsula.”

The final draft Ōmokoroa Structure Plan shows the overall proposed layout of Stage 3, including residential zones, industrial areas, town centre, future school site and proposed sports fields to cater for the growth of the Ōmokoroa Peninsula. Two options are being consulted on that are based on different locations for the active reserve for sports fields.

Alongside the final draft Ōmokoroa Structure Plan, draft residential rules for Ōmokoroa have been prepared to support the new development area.

“The proposed new rules will enable a higher level of density than what has previously occurred in Ōmokoroa,” says Mayor Garry.

“At the same time, it will allow the creation of attractive neighbourhoods for the entire community to enjoy.”

The ‘have your say’ sessions will be a ‘drop-in’ format with no formal presentation. Councillors and staff will be available to answer questions and gather feedback.

Community consultation on Structure Plan Stage 3 will run from 10-24 June. For more information please select here.

About the Ōmokoroa Peninsula Projects

It is estimated that by 2050, the Ōmokoroa peninsula will be fully developed and home to 12,000 residents. To cater for this significant growth and the need for continuing improvements to the peninsula’s infrastructure, Council is undertaking a series of projects – roading, reserves, cycleways, stormwater, building and planning – between now and 2022.