In August 2011, Taupō District Council notified a series of Plan Changes to the Taupō District Plan which propose new areas of land for industrial growth and aim to help encourage revitalisation and redevelopment of the Taupō Town Centre.

The proposed Plan Changes 28-33 are the result of a planning process which began with TD2050 (Taupō’s Growth Management Strategy). The Taupō Urban Commercial and Industrial Structure Plan (adopted February 2011) identified land to be zoned for industrial growth and for District Plan changes to ensure a sustainable, compact and vibrant town centre. Taupō District Council is calling for submissions on the proposed Plan Changes.

As an advocate for its members, supporting the business community and sustainable growth, Taupo Chamber of Commerce and Industry is placing the following draft submission within the extended period to Friday 23 September 2011:

Draft Submission to Taupō District Council

by Taupo Chamber of Commerce and Industry

This is a very general submission, which the Taupo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (referred to in this document as TCoC), which TCoC will develop during the remainder of the submission and hearings process.

1. PLAN CHANGE 28

TCoC supports the philosophy of encouraging economic development in the town centre and the consolidation of retail and office activity in the town centre, including the performance standards around building height, car parking requirements and signage.

2. PLAN CHANGE 29

TCoC supports the intention to manage retail and office activities in the new industrial zones.

3. PLAN CHANGE 30

TCoC supports the use of Plan Change 30 in association with Plan Change 28, to strengthen the heart of the town, which is our Towncentre.

4. PLAN CHANGE 32

TCoC supports the philosophy of Plan Change 32 to allow for the development of the identified portion of Spa Road as a 'mixed use' zone. We, however, believe that more prescriptive activity classifications are required to identify the type, scale and design elements of future land uses to ensure that this zone develops as the quality 'gateway' the town deserves.

Click here to view more information about the Taupō Town Centre, Taupō and Centennial Industrial, Residential and Spa Road Plan Changes 28-33.