The pace of growth expected over the next few decades in this part of Auckland has been highlighted by two long term projects focused on the Dairy Flat, Silverdale West and Wainui areas that are out now for public consultation.
One project focuses on planning for future transport connections to those areas, and the other on how the land will be zoned for development.
Both are part of a programme called Supporting Growth, which combines the work of Auckland Transport, Waka Kotahi/NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Council. They rely on projections that more than 110,000 more people could be living in those areas by 2050, with the addition of 41,000 new homes.
When it comes to transport, proposals include a 16km rapid transit corridor between Albany and Milldale, via Dairy Flat, 25km of new walking and cycling paths and improvements to State Highway 1.
A draft spatial land use strategy for the Dairy Flat and Silverdale Future Urban zone identifies a proposed town centre, areas where terraced housing and apartments could be built and rapid transport network stations.
In putting the transport proposals before the public for feedback, Waka Kotahi regional relationships director Steve Mutton says the majority of the work is yet to be funded, but that planning needs to happen now.
“The projects can then be considered as part of the rezoning and release of land by Council over the next 10-30 years,” Mutton says. “This approach provides certainty for landowners and the community by providing a clear vision of how people can move around in our future communities and town centres.”
Rodney Local Board member for Dairy Flat Louise Johnston says she supports the need for this early planning as a key step in ensuring the future infrastructure is adequately funded.
She says residents have flagged several concerns about the proposals with her, including a terraced housing zone around Bawden Road.
“I support this type of planning. But I also understand the turmoil that people are in when they see these plans becoming more real. It will change the whole face of the area and it’s hard to get your head around,” Johnston says.
She says in the meantime, there has been a lot of land banking going on and many of those sites are being allowed to become weedy and overgrown.
“Much of Dairy Flat is in a holding pattern,” she says.
Johnston says it’s important that residents, who naturally know the area best, make their voices heard by giving their feedback.
“There are a lot of practical things they can raise – such as where there are wetlands, or areas prone to flooding, or high quality soils that are unsuitable for housing. All that should be considered in relation to climate change. I also think it’s important that the Green Road Park should have a rural feel. Feedback from locals is really important at this early stage.”
Have your say
There is a community drop in session regarding both projects on August 13 at Dairy Flat Community Hall, 4 Postman Rd, Dairy Flat, 11am-1.30pm. It’s a chance to speak with the team behind the plans and have your say. https://bit.ly/3v5nQjn https://bit.ly/3Pjp5Da Visuals of the plans are at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzO8sxT0Oa8 Feedback closes on August 19.
