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In what is likely to be a highly controversial proposal, plans are afoot to subdivide a 19.9 hectare block of our hills into a 100 to 135 section residential development. A media release by the Christchurch City Council, made available to this website by the Heathcote Valley Community Association, provides the details.
In summary, the Environment Court has consented to land above Bridle Path Road to be rezoned from rural to building land. This is subject however to alleviating certain constraints. The Council's Principal Planning Advisor, Ivan Thomson, sees the main ones as rockfall and stormwater disposal. The resulting draft plan however also aims to "keep development away from areas that are of high landscape value", improve drainage, as well as ensuring "connectivity" with the Heathcote Valley.
There are some opportunities for public input, but time is limited with written submissions due by 16 May 2008. Mr Thomson states however the purpose of the process is to look at the development options and not to re-look at the rezoning decision itself. To successfully challenge the proposals, this suggests debate should be limited to the issues noted, namely rockfall, drainage, keeping development away from areas of high landscape value and ensuring connectivity with the surrounding area. So make a submission Heathcote and let everybody know what you think.
[ The Council's media release, "Draft Bridle Path Road Area Plan open for consultation", is available here. More details on the proposal can be found at the Council's Bridle Path Road Area Plan webpage. You can let the council know what you think by emailing them or filling out the form on their webpage here. ]
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