The draft strategy which was released for public consultation in March with Council’s draft 2006–16 Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) attracted approximately 130 submissions. Taupo Mayor Clayton Stent said a number of additions and alterations were made during hearing and consideration of submissions. The strategy has now been adopted and the amended document is expected to be ready for public release towards the middle of July.
Mayor Stent said Taupo District 2050 is one of the most important documents to come out of Council – providing the community and the development sector with a clear vision about the future location of residential, commercial and industrial areas.
“Council is mindful of the need to deal with the reality of continued growth without compromising the district’s existing character and unique environment. This document enables us to take a pro-active approach to future planning instead of having to react to growth as it occurs,” he said.
The strategy recommends that growth around Taupo be focused within the existing Taupo township and Kinloch village as identified in existing structure plans. These existing growth areas will be linked by a proposed West Kinloch Arterial road (WeKA) running from Poihipi Road just west of Taupo to Whangamata Road. A proposed new growth area along the proposed road in the middle of the Mapara Valley will accommodate approximately 2000 residential lots set back from the lake and a commercial centre to serve the needs of the local community.
In the Turangi area future residential development is identified around Taupahi Road and Topia Drive with further expansion along Hirangi and Grace Roads. The potential for development involving a range of residential densities, including lifestyle development, has been indicated on the Mangamawhitiwhiti block to the east of the Tongariro River.
Growth around the south eastern and south western parts of Lake Taupo will centre on the existing lakeside settlements of Motuoapa, Omori, Kuratau and Whareroa. No new urban settlements are planned around the south eastern and south western bays.
In rural parts of the district Council intends to introduce tighter controls for the development of lots below 10 hectares to ensure that the character of the rural environment is maintained and preserved.
Taupo will be the main focus for commercial and industrial growth along with the promotion of a localised commercial centre at Rangatira E – between Acacia Bay and Nukuhau – to serve the growing residential population in that part of Taupo.
Large format retail outlets will be encouraged to locate north of the Taupo Central Business District – around Oruanui, Nukuhau, Opepe and Waikato Streets. Over time light industrial development will be encouraged on land on the western side of the East Taupo Arterial highway.
Environmental Services manager Damian Coutts said key actions that Council would move to implement in the coming year included
• Designating a route for the proposed WeKA road between Taupo and Kinloch
• Amending the District Plan to accommodate new growth areas
• Introducing the new 10 ha controlled activity status in the rural environment
• Preparation of a structure plan for the Mapara Valley
• Alignment of Council’s asset management plans with the strategy to ensure more efficient and affordable provision of infrastructure for the identified growth areas.
Mr Coutts said these actions would require further public consultation ensuring that people had an opportunity to make comment on any issues of concern before final details were set in concrete. Copies of the strategy will be available from Taupo District Council offices in Taupo, Turangi and Mangakino in mid-July. Anyone wanting a copy can phone the Taupo Customer Services Centre Ph: 07 3760899 or free phone 0800 866 832. Copies of the document and accompanying information will also be available from mid-July on the Taupo District 2050 Growth Management Strategy page HERE.