Big development could be blocked

Carter Holt Harvey Forests has applied to subdivide 75ha of former forestry land into 57 sections in Old Coach Rd, Mahana, in what it calls a "comprehensive residential cluster development".

The sections would vary in size between 1600sq m and 13.7ha.

The council's rural 3 zone aims to deal with long-term development in the coastal area between the Moutere and Waimea inlets. It could see 1500 new houses built in cluster developments.

Hearings on the rural 3 plan will be held next year.

Montgomery Watson Harza planner Sylvia Allan said in her report for the council that Carter Holt's application should be declined because it was contrary to the proposed Tasman Resource Management Plan; the subdivision's design was inconsistent with the design guide for the area; it would set a precedent for development that would be "inappropriate" with the intent of the management plan; there were concerns about access and roading, including safety and infrastructure cost concerns; it did not promote sustainable development; and its effects on the surrounding area.

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