Kāpiti Coast District Council has announced its intention to withdraw the proposal to extend the carpark just north of Ocean Road, Paraparaumu from its Resource Consent application for the Kāpiti Island Gateway Te Uruhi development.
Chief Executive Darren Edwards says expert evidence at the resource consent hearing advised the proposed carpark was not required to offset the loss of parking that would be caused by building Te Uruhi.
“We’ve listened carefully and considered submitters’ concerns. And while the environmental effects of building the carpark would have been relatively small-scale and acceptable in terms of the Resource Management Act, removing the proposal reduces the overall adverse effects of the Te Uruhi project,” says Mr Edwards.
Mr Edwards added that Council will carry out a formal review into parking options at Paraparaumu Beach within 18 months. He says this time frame will ensure Council can review parking while it’s under peak pressure during busy periods.
Extending carparking in the area is provided for in the Maclean Park Development Plan and this proposal could be re-visited in the future.
In line with a Council decision at its meeting on 30 June 2022, if Te Uruhi is granted resource consent, an updated report will be presented to Council to inform their decision whether to proceed with the project.
A survey of candidates at the recent election showed overwhelming support for scrapping the project in its current form which had experienced significant cost overruns. A public petition titled Stop the Gateway had received 3000 signatures.
Mayor Janet Holborow says the future of Te Uruhi is a priority for the newly elected Kāpiti Coast District Council.
“As a Council, we have been listening to the community and their concerns regarding the Te Uruhi project. The project is currently in a resource consent process and we are seeking further advice on what options are available to us as a matter of priority.
“We acknowledge that there are a range of views and it is important that we carefully consider these before we come together to make a decision. We will be continuing to engage with our iwi partners.”
