Waimakariri District projects included in Fast-track Bill
Waimakariri District Council media release: 7th October 2024
The Government recently released information about the Fast Track Approvals Bill and released a schedule of 149 projects nation-wide.
Four Waimakariri projects have been included in the Fast-track schedule. These are:
- Gressons Road Development: The project will enable the subdivision and development of approximately 1,500 homes and supporting community features including public and active transport connections, green spaces and infrastructure on a site adjoining existing residential and commercial development.
- Ōhoka Residential Subdivision: The project will comprise: 850 houses and a commercial mixed/use centre, and a school and/or retirement village.
- West Rangiora Residential Development: Staged subdivision and development of approximately 40 hectares of land, to create approximately 700-780 residential units (400-480 in stage 1, and 300 in stage 2), with associated road and service areas.
- State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus): To extend the SH1 Christchurch Northern Corridor between Belfast and Pegasus by constructing 4km of motorway or expressway to bypass the Woodend township, to create a safe, efficient route, with travel time savings and benefits.
The Fast-track Approvals Bill is currently before the Environment Select Committee which will report back to Parliament by 18th October. The Bill is expected to go before Parliament for its second reading in November and will likely be passed into law before the end of the year.
The listed residential developments are currently being considered as part of Council’s District Plan Review, and in April this year the Council made a submission on the Bill recommending that local knowledge be considered and projects that don’t align with the direction of the District Plan be made ineligible.
Mayor Dan Gordon says “We are pleased to see the Woodend Bypass being fast-tracked but will be making our views known on the residential proposals to ensure the community’s voice is heard and that no corners are being cut in due process.
“Growth and development is necessary and isn’t something you can or should stop, but for us it’s about sustainable growth that integrates well with the rest of the District.
“The community has been outspoken against the Ōhoka proposal specifically and the Commissioners' declined the proposal late last year.
“The Council and Oxford-Ohoka Community Board strongly supported the community’s opposition to Plan Change 31 at Ōhoka. The Council took the unusual step of making its view known on this proposed development mainly because of drainage and transport concerns as well as the significant change to rural character this proposal presented.
“I appreciate this is being reviewed on appeal, and the development is also subject to submissions on the Proposed District Plan but we think it’s important that fast tracked projects are endorsed by the community, and well-integrated into our District Plan.”
While these projects have been included in the schedule, it’s not a guarantee they will go ahead.
Once the Bill is passed, projects will apply to be considered by the Environmental Protection Authority where an expert panel will assess the project and apply relevant conditions.
The Government has confirmed it is recommending that Panels will still have the ability to decline approvals, though it is expected that this ability will be constrained given the nature of the Bill.
Read the Council’s submission on the Fast Track Approvals Bill.
Read the Commissioners’ recommendation on Private Plan Change 31 (November 2023 News article).