Council has agreed to appoint an independent commisioner to consider the seventeen submissions received on the proposed Hetana Street Reserve classification and make recommendations to Council.

The proposed classification would allow the Matamata Community Health Shuttle Trust to relocate and extend their existing garage to allow for additional fleet at one central facility.

Council’s Group Business Support Manager Manaia Te Wiata said the month long consultation period that closed mid October presented a range of views. “While there was strong support for the health shuttle’s activities and services to the local community, a range of concerns were raised by submitters about the proposed location of the garage. Bringing in an independent commissioner will ensure we avoid any risk of perceived or actual conflicts.’’

The intention is to hold the hearings in late January or early February and report the Independent Commissioner’s recommendations back to Council for a decision in March or April.

You can find out more about the proposed reserve classification and submissions received at mpdc.nz/hetanareserve