The board said the club s zoning had been included in the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP), which had been the subject of widespread public consultation. “There were extensive processes during the public consultation for the unitary plan that resulted in the current land zoning. This planning regulatory tool must be recognised as the primary reference and given due weight, rather than be taken lightly to serve private interests.” The board said there was already a housing shortage in Ōtara and Papatoetoe, which had to be factored in when considering the club’s rezoning proposal. “The benefits of retaining the current residential zone far outweighs the reasons for the request for a plan change.”
A prominent Auckland golf club is looking to rezone its 80-hectare course in Papatoetoe in a bid to stave off future development.
Critics of a zoning change say The Grange site is in an area with excellent transport and community infrastructure and would be better suited for residential development.
Photo: Stuff / Anna Loren
But not everyone is pleased with the Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club s proposal.
Under the Auckland Unitary Plan, the Papatoetoe property is zoned for residential mixed housing urban and residential terraced housing and apartments.
However, the club wants to use a private plan change to make it an open space - sport and active recreation zone.