Plans, policies and reports
Hauraki Gulf Islands review
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Issues and options papers
Ostend Policy Area
Issue
Development in the village of Ostend is currently controlled via policy area 7,
being "Okahuiti, Ostend, Tahi" contained in Part 7 of the District
Plan.
For 'Ostend Village' the Plan currently seeks to:
- Consolidate Ostend's commercial area;
- Identify servicing and car parking areas around a ring road formation;
- Realign and reconstruct the main route through Putiki Road. The plan
states that this will not occur until more than 60 per cent of that part of
the policy area that is classified Land Unit 13 is developed for commercial
activities.
- Maintain 7.5 metre building line restrictions that exist along both sides
of Belgium Street.
The associated policy area map classifies broad land units, linkages, car
parking areas and the proposed aerial route.
A large part of Ostend Village remains either undeveloped or not developed to
its maximum potential. The provision of a consolidated approach to development
of the village could be by way of a design guideline. The guideline could
provide the opportunity for consistent form, scale and location of buildings
whilst allowing for a sense of 'character' within the village.
Auckland City owns two large, relatively undeveloped sites on the northern
side of Belgium Street. A supermarket proposal will be lodged with Council in
the near future. As it encompasses a large undeveloped area of Ostend, it has
the potential to set a benchmark for future development in the village.
The policy area controls in relation to roading alignments are now outdated.
Recent advice received from TARS on the proposed supermarket development
indicates that the main route will not be directed through Putiki Road, but will
be maintained as it is currently, along Belgium Street. The policy areas maps
indicate Belgium Street will be closed.
The policy area map provides a general blueprint for development, but this
remains difficult to implement because some aspects are ultra-vires. For
example, many areas shown as 'parking' are located on privately owned land. The
council cannot require public use of private land unless the land has been
designated for that purpose. This also applies to pedestrian linkages.
Planting and landscaping areas are not identified, although referenced on the
maps.
Building line restrictions exist along Belgium Street, but in the long term
the restrictions may have an implication for urban structure and streetscape
appeal of the village (which requires verandahs, car parks that are less
dominating, and more provision for public open spaces). The current approach to
development is for buildings to be set back with areas for car parking
dominating.
The assessment criteria provide little guidance in achieving a consolidated
and consistent approach to development in the village.
The boundaries are not clearly defined and commercial activities have crept
into buffer areas.
By introducing controls, for example a concept plan for development, there
will be an opportunity for the provision of a consistent and consolidated
approach to development. (Alternatively, refer to Section 10 of the Queenstown
Lakes District Plan for an example of town centre rules.)
Possible approaches
You may have a better or alternative approach to those outlined below. If so,
we would like to hear from you.
- Retain the status quo
- Development of a village concept plan and associated design guideline
(similar to Oneroa Village).
- Development of a concept plan for Ostend Village. This could include:
- Defining future roading options for Belgium Street, including designating
principal and secondary roading options for through traffic;
- Identifying appropriate streetscape improvement programmes including
median barriers, pedestrian linkages, street planting, lighting, street
furniture, lighting and signage strategies;
- Provision for service orientated development in conjunction with
supermarket/ Council service centre;
- Providing appropriate uses and controls along buffer zones like Waitai
Street and Putiki Road, with possible landscape buffer strips;
- Designating appropriate areas as car parking and open space;
- Providing guidelines on building form and pattern and location that are
designed to enhance the village character of Ostend. Theses could be similar
to those in place for Oneroa.
- Imposition of District Plan controls to support a concept plan, together
with the provision of incentives for compliance and/or disincentives for
non-compliance. Remove the policy area.
- Remove the ultra-vires parts of the policy area but retain other
provisions.
Note:
While this issue paper can be read in isolation, it is best read in
association with the issue papers relating to:
