Case Study

Holmwood Park Subdivision, Morrinsville

Holmwood Park Subdivision is an example of a recent residential subdivision in the Matamata-Piako District. The subdivision proposal by Thornton Estates Limited was to subdivide a 15.9874 ha property located on the northern side of Thames Street (State Highway 26), Morrinsvillle into 88 residential lots, local purpose reserves (for access, drainage and segregation strips), esplanade reserve and road. One of the unique features of the proposal was development of a ‘water feature’ to be located within the esplanade reserve. This water feature has been designed to collect stormwater from the development prior to it being discharged into the river.

The 88 residential lots ranged in sizes from 750m² to 6,800m² and met the subdivision standards for residential lots in the proposed District Plan in terms of minimum area, frontage and building envelope/shape factor.

In assessing the application for its suitability, the potential adverse effects of the development were identified as:

• Difficult access onto SH26 and or future access to Seales Road
• Restriction on access and parking to the esplanade reserve created along the Piako River bank
• Increased traffic noise for neighbours

By modifying the design and incorporating conditions into the resource consent these potential effects have been reduced, avoided or mitigated to the satisfaction of all parties. Changes to the development included:

• Seal widening of State highway 26 to improve safety and access into and out of the subdivision
• Installation of a closed boarded fence to reduce noise effects from the State highway on lots abutting the highway and planting to screen the visual impact of the fence.
• Development of the esplanade reserve with walkways, planting, lighting, picnic tables and parking at the end of the cul-de-sac access into the reserve.
• Development of a walkway and cycle lane to Seales Road to improve safety for pedestrian and cyclists and school children.

Instead of Council imposing financial contributions on the developer to finance infrastructure and reserves, the works were incorporated into the development as part of the consent granted. This ensured that works were completed as part of the whole development and not at a later date.

The way in which this development for residential subdivision has occurred has been successful for both the developer and the Council. It has resulted in achieving a quality subdivision in Morrinsville, while enhancing the riparian margins of the Piako River bank and its environment through the creation of an esplanade reserve that will be enjoyed by the public