HRRG Presentation to the WCC: District Plan Change 68
I speak this evening as a member and representative of the Homebush Road Residents Group, of which there are a number of us here this evening and all of whom have already presented a number of submissions opposing the proposed rezoning.
But more than that, I also speak as a proud Wellingtonion and am voicing the views of many other Wellingtonions whom we have contacted or who have themselves stepped forward to voice their opposition to the proposed rezoning application.
We are opposed to the rezoning first and foremost because we consider the harbour, hills, coastal escarpment and green belt surrounding the harbour to be the magic that is Wellington. As Wellingtonions we are all privileged to have the good fortune of being able to enjoy such natural beauty and the drama that the harbour, sculptured hillsides and native bush offer. Thanks to careful planning and protection we have also, over several decades, enjoyed the gradual but ongoing beautification that is occurring as a result of regenerating native bush all over Wellington - and of course in the Open Space B land under question.
This land has both been zoned Open Space B and been in private ownership over many decades now. With the closure of the Ngauranga abattoir the former paddocks upon which sheep used to graze have now reached the point where there is a strong regrowth of native bush and trees and significant ecological rejuvenation with bird life, and self seeding native flora and fauna becoming more and more apparent.
The Homebush Road Residents Group are not speaking out as a result any of self interest. This land has been in private hands for many years now meaning that we do not have access to the land and it is certainly not a local amenity.
But for much of Wellington, this is a very prominent piece of land. It forms a part of a large green belt stretching along the western hills above the Hutt Road and right through to Petone – it is in a full 180 degree view of residents and tourists - from the Hutt Valley to the north, across the harbour to Eastbourne to the east - and through to Mt Victoria and Oriental Bay to the south – it can be readily seen from the land, air and sea - being in the flight path of aircraft and in full and close view of the ferries and cruise ships that sail the harbour.
Whilst it is easy to take our beautiful green and blue environment for granted we are thankful for the custodianship of our legislators, planners and decision makers who, over the years have put in place documentation to preserve and protect our collective heritage.
There are 2 documents that are particularly relevant to this particular piece of land, being the Resource Management Act and the Wellington District Plan.
Sections 6 & 7 of the RMA makes is clear that all persons exercising functions and powers under this Act shall recognise and provide for the following matters of national importance being:
The preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment and the protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development;
In our view the Open Space land in question clearly meets both of these criteria.
In terms of the second document, the District Plan is littered with commentary that reinforces the objectives and policies of the council with respect to Open Space. The District Plan states that it seeks to protect and enhance the open character, natural features and ecological significance of such land, whether in private or public ownership.
These are both documents that were put together as the result of extensive consultation and deliberation and clearly do form the basis of the decisions to be made in respect to this change in zoning application.
There is no legal impediment to rejecting this application. The Capital Coast Health v Wellington City Council decision clearly states that the Council is entitled to uphold the Open Space B zoning as it was already reserved by designation when purchased by Prime Properties from its previous private owners. It is important to note that Prime Properties were well aware of this zoning at the time of purchase. It is also worth reiterating that the council had no need to purchase the land in order to retain the Open Space zoning.
Whilst the land for which rezoning is being sought is a relatively small area, being 1.2 hectares, we consider that any encroachment into the current Open Space will significantly impact upon the environmental and aesthetic beauty of the currently rejuvenating native bush and its place as a part of a much larger green belt vista. Furthermore any decision to rezone will of course, create an obvious precedent for the remainder of the full 15 hectares of land owned by Prime Properties on this hillside. And such a precedent could also be used in dozens of other rezoning applications for current Open Space B land.
Whilst it is claimed that much of this land is too steep to build on, you do not have to look far along Homebush or Onslow Road to find several examples of houses that have been built on or are cantilevered from a cliff side. Prime Properties have already made it clear that they indeed to develop as much of this land as possible.
We therefore urge the Council to reject this application for a rezoning from the current Open Space B. In so doing:
- The Council will protect an important ecological corridor linking other natural environmental assets from Somes Island to the Hutt Road, Ngauranga, Tyers Road reserve and through to Mt KauKau reserve.
- The Council will retain an aesthetically and environmentally significant section of the coastal escarpment and outer green belt
- The Council will recognise that further residential encroachment into the green belt has to stop and
- The Council will maintain and enhance the visually outstanding natural beauty of the City and Harbour and thereby, a significant and growing point of difference for Wellington both nationally and internationally.
With the support of numerous ratepayers, community organisations and other supporters, we urge the Council to vote against the adoption of District Plan Change 68.
Once lost to development, Open Space land can never be reclaimed.