The process to develop Dunedin's next generation district plan continues today as hearings into recreation zones begin.
The six-member hearings panel - chaired by independent commissioner David Collins - expects to hear from 15 organisations and people over the next two days to determine the definition and application of recreational zoning in the Dunedin City Council's 2GP district plan.
Recreational zoning has never been adopted in the city's district plans in the past and the new definition was created to better protect and manage recreational and reserve areas which have been defined in the past as either residential or rural zones.
The council received 74 submission points from 50 submitters on provisions relating to recreation zoning, according to a report prepared for the panel by council policy planner Jacinda Baker.
In the summary of submissions provided in the report, the Otago Peninsula Community Board has called for the creation of cemeteries to be a permitted activity, so they can be established without resource consent, which is required at present.
In the report, Ms Baker advised against amending the activity status of cemeteries.
The Southern District Health Board, in its submission, sought a requirement to have cycle parking and bus loading areas and additional bus stops for public transport alongside recreation facilities.
"The submitter suggests recreational areas will attract visitors and the 2GP encourages people to travel by a variety of travel methods, including cycling and public transport and that secure cycle parking is required to encourage cycling as a practical transport choice,'' the report said.
"The submitter also suggests ensuring sufficient bus pick-up and drop-off points will assist safe and efficient use of public transport.''
Again, Ms Baker advised against making changes in line with the submission, noting: "I do not consider it is the role of the 2GP to determine the location of bus stops''.
"The Otago Regional Council manages public transport services and determines the routes and location of bus stops, based on a number of factors,'' she said.
"Rule 20.5.5 minimum car parking, allows for required parking spaces to be used for car, cycle or motorcycle parking.''
In other submissions of note, 35 were received in relation to land at 50 Three Mile Hill Rd, council-owned land leased by the Dunedin Branch Pony Club.
It has been leased by the club since 1974.
It was proposed to zone it as rural residential, but many of the submissions sought to change it to recreation zone, to protect its current leasee and use.
"One of the core principles in developing the 2GP is to zone land to reflect its current use,'' Ms Baker said.
"The recreation zone is a good example of implementation of this principle.
"The site at 50 Three Mile Hill Rd is clearly being put to a recreational use within a rural-residential setting.
"In summary, as the land at 50 Three Mile Hill Rd is currently being put to a recreation use, I recommend that the site at 50 Three Mile Hill Rd be zoned recreation.''
The hearings are scheduled to begin at 9am at the 2GP hearings centre in George St.
The panel - which also includes independent commissioner Gary Rae and councillors David Benson-Pope, Aaron Hawkins, Jinty MacTavish and Kate Wilson - will make its recommendations on the 2GP following the final hearings in February.
