Simon Berry and Craig Malone acted for the Auckland Regional Council ("ARC") in connection with the ARC's opposition to a proposal by Omaha Park Limited ("OPL") to impose a new special zone, the "Omaha Park Special Zone" ("OPSZ"), on elevated land at the southern end of Omaha Beach, north of Auckland. Prior to the commencement of the hearing in February 2010, the proposal comprised the proposed Seaview Village which would have included 850 household units, a 120 bed hotel and a commercial centre. The project was opposed by the ARC, Rodney District Council, the Omaha Beach Community and the neighbours of the project.

The matter was heard before the Environment Court in a two and a half week hearing in February – March this year. During the course of the hearing the project was scaled back significantly but the ARC remains concerned that the OPSZ represents urban development outside the existing settlements, contrary to the fundamental objectives of the Auckland Regional Policy Statement which are aimed at containing urban growth and ensuring that it is located in existing centres and along specific transport corridors.

The Environment Court decision is awaited.

Click here to read a recent NZ Herald article on the proposal.