Post by flyjoe180 on Mar 15, 2008 21:24:32 GMT 12
A $450 million plan to redevelop Paraparaumu Airport has been given the go-ahead by independent commissioners.
Three commissioners charged with examining the proposal, which includes a business park, shops and upgraded airfield, have recommended that Kapiti Coast District Council change its district plan to allow the development.
The design for the 130-hectare site includes a terminal featuring a cluster of buildings set in wetland gardens, and upgrading the airfield to enable Air New Zealand flights to Auckland, using 50-seater turboprops.
Paraparaumu Airport director Noel Robinson welcomed the commissioners' decision yesterday. "They commented that the business plan appeared to be the correct way to move forwardto guarantee a long-term viable airport."
The developer, Paraparaumu Airport Holdings, of which Mr Robinson is the main shareholder, tweaked its plans after concerns from opposition groups, including nearby residents, retailers and Maori.
This included lowering the building height from 15 to 12 metres and allowing only one big-scale shop on the site. "But nothing has changed in the overall concept," Mr Robinson said. "The basic business plan is intact."
The business park, which could house 40 to 50 offices, was vital to keeping the airport operational, he said. Shops were needed to provide a "heart", but they would be on a small scale. "It's not going to be a big retail centre - that's the important thing."
Kapiti Coast District Council acting chief executive Kevin Jefferies said the report still had to be presented formally by the commissioners. "The council must then make its decision on whether or not to accept the report and its recommendations."
A date had not been set. "But we do not want to delay it any longer than necessary," he said. After the council's decision, submitters had 21 days to consider an appeal to the Environment Court.
But former councillor Alan Tristram, of the Airport Coalition, which opposes the upgrade, said developers had "completely overlooked" the concerns of Maori.
The Crown's compulsory acquisition of the site in the 1930s and the government's sale of the airport in 1995 are being challenged by Te Whanau a Te Ngarara.
It was imperative a settlement was made before the development went ahead, Mr Tristram said. "We don't want [compensation], we want the land."
Residents near the airport have also raised concerns about noise.
WHAT'S IN THE AIR
What does the $450 million airport redevelopment include?
* A business park, using about a third of the land.
* Commercial and retail development next to Kapiti Rd, including one large-scale retail building.
* A new terminal.
* Extension of main runway.
* Relocation of the crosswind runway.
What is the history of the land?
1930s: The Crown acquired the airport under the Public Works Act for aviation purposes during World War II.
1995: The Government sold the 131-hectare block to businessman Murray Cole for $1.65 million.
2004: A parliamentary select committee called for a government inquiry into the sale.
2005: An auditor-general's inquiry found the sale process was flawed but the price reasonable.
2006: Paraparaumu Airport Holdings, whose main shareholder is Noel Robinson, bought the airport for a sum described as "well under $40 million". The company announced plans for a 30-year development, including upgrading the airport and developing a business park.
The Airport Coalition, which opposes the development, held two public meetings calling for the plans to be stalled till land ownership issues had been resolved.
2007: Mr Robinson said he would fund research and legal costs for claims by former landowners to help resolve the issues. Otaki MP Darren Hughes negotiated the deal and said he would act as go- between with the Crown for compensation.
What happens now?
* Kapiti Coast District Council will consider the commissioners' recommendations and make a final decision on whether the development can go ahead within two months.
* Previous submitters will then have 21 days to appeal against the decision to the Environment Court
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/dominionpost/4436758a6479.html
Three commissioners charged with examining the proposal, which includes a business park, shops and upgraded airfield, have recommended that Kapiti Coast District Council change its district plan to allow the development.
The design for the 130-hectare site includes a terminal featuring a cluster of buildings set in wetland gardens, and upgrading the airfield to enable Air New Zealand flights to Auckland, using 50-seater turboprops.
Paraparaumu Airport director Noel Robinson welcomed the commissioners' decision yesterday. "They commented that the business plan appeared to be the correct way to move forwardto guarantee a long-term viable airport."
The developer, Paraparaumu Airport Holdings, of which Mr Robinson is the main shareholder, tweaked its plans after concerns from opposition groups, including nearby residents, retailers and Maori.
This included lowering the building height from 15 to 12 metres and allowing only one big-scale shop on the site. "But nothing has changed in the overall concept," Mr Robinson said. "The basic business plan is intact."
The business park, which could house 40 to 50 offices, was vital to keeping the airport operational, he said. Shops were needed to provide a "heart", but they would be on a small scale. "It's not going to be a big retail centre - that's the important thing."
Kapiti Coast District Council acting chief executive Kevin Jefferies said the report still had to be presented formally by the commissioners. "The council must then make its decision on whether or not to accept the report and its recommendations."
A date had not been set. "But we do not want to delay it any longer than necessary," he said. After the council's decision, submitters had 21 days to consider an appeal to the Environment Court.
But former councillor Alan Tristram, of the Airport Coalition, which opposes the upgrade, said developers had "completely overlooked" the concerns of Maori.
The Crown's compulsory acquisition of the site in the 1930s and the government's sale of the airport in 1995 are being challenged by Te Whanau a Te Ngarara.
It was imperative a settlement was made before the development went ahead, Mr Tristram said. "We don't want [compensation], we want the land."
Residents near the airport have also raised concerns about noise.
WHAT'S IN THE AIR
What does the $450 million airport redevelopment include?
* A business park, using about a third of the land.
* Commercial and retail development next to Kapiti Rd, including one large-scale retail building.
* A new terminal.
* Extension of main runway.
* Relocation of the crosswind runway.
What is the history of the land?
1930s: The Crown acquired the airport under the Public Works Act for aviation purposes during World War II.
1995: The Government sold the 131-hectare block to businessman Murray Cole for $1.65 million.
2004: A parliamentary select committee called for a government inquiry into the sale.
2005: An auditor-general's inquiry found the sale process was flawed but the price reasonable.
2006: Paraparaumu Airport Holdings, whose main shareholder is Noel Robinson, bought the airport for a sum described as "well under $40 million". The company announced plans for a 30-year development, including upgrading the airport and developing a business park.
The Airport Coalition, which opposes the development, held two public meetings calling for the plans to be stalled till land ownership issues had been resolved.
2007: Mr Robinson said he would fund research and legal costs for claims by former landowners to help resolve the issues. Otaki MP Darren Hughes negotiated the deal and said he would act as go- between with the Crown for compensation.
What happens now?
* Kapiti Coast District Council will consider the commissioners' recommendations and make a final decision on whether the development can go ahead within two months.
* Previous submitters will then have 21 days to appeal against the decision to the Environment Court
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/dominionpost/4436758a6479.html
