Submission Details

Development Contributions

Do you agree with the proposed Development Contributions Policy?

No, I disagree - please explain?

Do you have any comments on this?

In general I agree with this policy, however I strongly disagree with "Analysis of reasonably practicable options: Option 2 - Ratepayers pay for growth", this option states that an Advantage would be that "If reduced development costs are passed on, new sections and housing may become more affordable", I believe it is highly doubtful that any of the large scale developers will pass on any savings from reduced development contributions to the end consumer. They simply look at the realestate/housing market at the time and try to sell their sections at the highest possible profit margin. In addition, I think large scale developers should be held more accountable for Community infrastructure, in particular developing usable greenspaces/reserves within their developments that are connected via pathways and cycleways, and adding additional play spaces to serve the new neighbourhoods which they are developing, much like all of the new housing developments within the Waipa District. The Council states that over the last 10 years they have been "focusing on improving walking and cycling connections in our towns" which I think is amazing and was driven by community feedback, however we have then approved the development plans for Peakdale and Pippins developments which have delivered basic stormwater catchment areas as their neighbourhood reserves, with no usable pathways or connectivity implemented throughout these reserves, even though their approved development plans have pathways included. Maea Fields development has such narrow roading and limited space for footpaths/connectivity, and we are yet to see what their reserve areas will include. I haven't come across any local developments that have included any type of play space or or outdoor health and fitness facilities within their development plans, which is an area that our district is already severely lacking in when compared to our neighbouring districts. I believe these large scale developer who are planning to create neighbourhoods with 100s of sections should also be responsible for including Community infrastructure within their developments for the long term benefit of our district.

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