Great Barrier Island issues and options

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Claris

Issue

The planning structure adopted as a basis for resource management in the Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan divides the district into Strategic Management Areas (SMAs). Strategic Management Areas are divided into land units and policy areas. Land units are based on common features of the physical and natural landscape. Policy areas apply to a number of locations that show a need for a more robust strategic approach to resource management in addition to the controls to be had from SMAs and land units.

Only rural Land Units 1 to 10 apply on Great Barrier Island. These land units are based on common features of the physical and natural landscape. Delineation of land units used in other parts of the Hauraki Gulf Islands is based not only on the physical and natural landscape but also on settlement patterns, infrastructure, existing land uses, subdivision patterns, and activities. For example, Land Units 13 - Retailing, 14 - Visitor Facilities and 15 - Industrial were defined not so much by the underlying natural environment as by activities and existing and likely future land use.

Concerns have been raised that no residential, commercial or industrial land units exist on Great Barrier Island. Should consideration be given to providing for these activities in Claris - since they already exist?

Claris is a growing settlement area with residential, commercial and industrial activities, along with sports facilities, the landfill (which has regional consents until 2027), community facilities (Auckland City Council service centre, library and information centre), the airport, and medical centre. It is located within SMA 6 - Kaitoke. The wider Claris area is subject to numerous land units (Land Units 2,3,4,5,6,8 and 9) and the Claris policy area also applies to a defined area. Claris airport is the principle airport for the island and is located within the sand flats.

There are a number of issues that require consideration.

• The need to include a commercial and/or industrial zone to provide for existing commercial and industrial activities close to Claris.
• The inconsistencies that exist between the planning map and the policy area. Clarification is required on which is the correct boundary for the Claris policy area.
• Is there a need for a policy area for Claris?
• Should the existing controls be simplified, giving more certainty on what can and can't be done as of right, and stating the information required for assessment?
• Should there be provision for residential use in the general Claris area?
• Is there a need for a long-term development strategy for Claris?
• The airport protection fans extend beyond the policy area. How are activities within the protection fans assessed?
• How would these issues be affected by the airport and potential noise problems?