The Ahuriri Community Board will tonight consider a proposal from the Waitaki District Council to extend the town's residential zoning south from Ahuriri Dr into the foothills. Part of the land is rural residential and part rural scenic.
Planning manager Jack Chandra said the extension came from a visioning workshop in Omarama last year when people discussed how they would like the town to develop.
It covers land owned by Anne Schlosser, who last year applied to the council for a subdivision that did not comply with the requirements of the council's district plan.
Mr Chandra said that presented an opportunity to consider a plan change or variation to the district plan to extend the residential zone.
‘‘It makes good sense to plan holistically ahead of any piece meal development of rural scenic land, particularly in view of the express wishes at the visioning workshop,'' he said.
A re-zoning plan has been prepared for the board to consider with suggestions including: possible boundary amendments; further consultation with affected and adjoining landowners; reports on servicing the area with water and sewerage; a roading layout plan; and, the need for any reserves or other services.
- A lakeside walkway linking Otematata to the boat harbour and continuing along the top of Lake Aviemore to the wildlife reserve and Loch Laird is being planned by the Otematata Residents' Association.
The association wants the Ahuriri Community Board to decide tonight to encourage the Waitaki District Council to accept taking over the land from Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) so the walkway can be developed.
A proposal put to the board by the society said the lakeside and wetland reserve area was ‘‘a valued community asset with significant potential''.
Walkways connecting the Otematata camping ground, Otematata boat harbour, wildlife wetlands and Loch Laird could be developed, opening up the area.
Part of the walkway was already formed, but needed development, then ongoing maintenance, which the association was prepared to fund.
The first step was to obtain legal access over the land, then develop and manage the walkways.
Most is Crown land.
The existing ecological, natural character and landscape of the area would be enhanced and noxious plants would be removed.
Formed walkways, public seating and information boards, as required, would be installed. There were already toilets at camp sites along the foreshore.
The result would be safe walking access from Otematata to the wetlands, the lake shore and swimming areas.
