Establishing a quality urban environment

Posted by Nelson City Council on 2 May 2011

Making sure that a quality urban environment is established for the benefit of future generations is the aim of the Nelson City Council’s recent approval of Plan Change 13, which rezones Marsden Valley to provide for residential and commercial use.

Council’s Manager Strategic Response Chris Ward says Marsden Valley has been subject to various development proposals and plan changes over the years and with the recent rezoning for residential use that has occurred in Ngawhatu Valley and the Marsden Plateau, it is logical to determine the appropriate use for the neighbouring valleys.

“This change will result in a village that has a central commercial area, connected walkways, cycle ways and that is linked to neighbouring areas.

Plan Change 13 is the first of two stages of plan changes in this area. The second stage covers the remaining properties in Marsden Valley and those in Enner Glynn and upper Brook Valleys to ensure controlled and planned growth. Submissions on this second stage will be considered at a Council hearing later this year.

Chris says this approach avoids individual landowners carrying out development without a guiding structure plan for the area.

The main features of the changes in Marsden Valley are increased areas of residential zoning, the addition of a commercial zone, provision for roads, walkways, greenspace and biodiversity corridors.

He says a significant amount of work has gone into this forward planning to meet the needs of residents, preserve nature and allow for commercial uses. However, those people who have already made submissions to the Plan Change 13, still have the opportunity to appeal the decision.