The land bordered by Clayden Road, Matakana Road and the Warkworth Showgrounds was earmarked for future urban and light industrial use, but a new application has been lodged that could see up to 1,100 houses and six shops built on this 102 hectares of land north east of Warkworth.

The application was lodged by Warkworth Land Company, White Light Trust Limited, Kaurilands Trust Limited, Rob Mills and P & L Richards. It was originally notified in February, then re-notified in July due to “technical issues receiving submissions”, according to Auckland Council.

The group of applicants wants to change the zoning of land to residential with ‘neighbourhood centre’ shops off the Matakana link road.

While board members accepted that additional land was needed to cater for expansion in Warkworth due to the new motorway and link road, they stated that growth had to be well-planned and sustainable. They were also worried about the loss of light industrial land: a zone that could create local jobs.

Members voted to support the application but expressed concern over any light industrial land losses. They also asked for footpaths and cycleways to be provided throughout, plus multiple bus stops, and for open space to be evenly distributed within the development. The board also said that water supply, wastewater and stormwater runoff should be planned and managed sustainably.

Submissions on Private Plan Change 40 are now closed and a hearing will be held in the Auckland Council chamber at 50 Centreway Road, Orewa on October 5th, 9th and 12th, starting at 9.30 a.m. each day.