The Whakatāne District Council’s development contributions policy is to be reviewed in conjunction with next year’s 2015-25 Long Term Plan.

To comply with recent legislation changes, the Council is proposing to amend its current policy to better define which assets development contributions can be used to fund, and set out a process for developers to request that levies be reconsidered.

Other key changes proposed include a move to charge development contributions only for residential housing accommodation, or new lots intended for residential accommodation. That would exempt most business development activities, with the exception of hotel and motel developments (where a contribution based on occupancy rates would be required for water, wastewater and stormwater services) and developments in Mill Road, which would be subject to a development contribution towards planned water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure improvements.

Mayor Tony Bonne says the intent of the review is to refine the policy so that it only applies in areas where an increase in households is anticipated as part of the Council’s urban growth strategy.    

“The logic behind that move is that in most instances, new or upgraded infrastructure is only needed for new residential development in Whakatāne and Ōhope,” he explains. “Where residential development is planned in new locations, which will require some additional investment in infrastructure, we think it’s appropriate that those proposing the development contribute to the cost of the assets.

“However, our existing infrastructure can generally cater for new business development, as it tends to be in areas which already have adequate water, wastewater and stormwater systems. Council also has a commitment to encouraging economic development, because job growth brings real advantages to the entire District, and this sends a positive signal that we are open to new business investment,” Mr Bonne says.

Community feedback on the proposed direction of the Development Contributions Policy for 2015-25 will be sought in December.