The Selwyn district's draft Annual Plan will go out for public consultation in April even though NZ will still be in lockdown.
The Covid-19 lockdown is likely to mean information and consultation around the draft plan will predominantly be available online, said a council spokesperson.
The key proposals identified for consultation in the draft plan include:
- Deferring the Prebbleton Community centre project to allow for more detailed consideration in the Long-Term Plan 2021-2031.
- Reviewing wider community needs for community facilities in Leeston.
- Establishing Council investment and developer partnerships for the Rolleston town centre retail development.
- Increasing water supply charges to provide for quality improvements and demand management.
- Planning and building a new wastewater system for central Darfield and new developments.
Selwyn district councillors acknowledged that in light of the pandemic and its impacts on the economy, there may be significant changes to the final plan.
"Many of the projects and services proposed may now prove to be unnecessary and some projects may not progress," the council spokesperson said.
"At the same time, other projects that were not a priority may now become a focus over the next 12 months.
"The council will also have to consider how public consultation might proceed given the Level 4 Alert, and what form hearings will take, as in person may not be appropriate.
"It’s hoped that more information will be available towards the end of April."
A full report on the latest Selwyn District Council meeting can be found here.
