Key changes and proposals

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

In 2016, 2018 and 2020, Council surveyed Castle Hill Village property owners on a range of reserve topics. It also sought feedback on the Draft Reserve Landscape Development Plans in October 2020.

Below is a table with key issues or challenges identified during our community engagement and how they are proposed to be addressed in the Draft Castle Hill Village Reserves Management Plan (RMP):

Key issue/challenge identified	Proposed changes in the Draft RMP
A need for better prioritised planning of individual reserve areas, and a proactive approach to tree issues.	Individual development plans (planting concepts) for reserve areas have been added to the Draft RMP (Plan 7.4 – 7.11). These plans are a key part of the RMP, as they show how the RMP will be implemented to guide the future landscape development of the village’s reserves.
The growing height of trees in close proximity to dwellings and the effects of winter shading.	The negative effect of undue shading on dwellings is given greater weight in the draft RMP. A recession plane system (Plan 7.2) is proposed to provide guidance on tree categories by height and corresponding recommended planting setbacks. This is to assist with new plantings as well as for assessing the removal of existing trees.
Concern over potential fire risk within the village.	Adopt Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s recommendations of a 10m tree setback from dwellings.
Alpine vistas or views to the surrounding landscape were not previously recognised as an important value.	A system of planted wedges and view corridors (Plan 7.3) is proposed to maintain alpine vistas where reasonably possible, while balancing a treed environment and other amenity values. This concept is adopted throughout the proposed Reserve Development Plans. More attention/priority is also given to the development of drift planting of low alpine shrub and tussock species that provide amenity without restricting views.
The timing and extent of wilding pine removal from the village reserves.	Although attention has been given to how the removal of listed wilding pine species from the reserves will be managed, the particular focus of this RMP is over the long term. It is proposed that the RMP adopt a progressive approach to wilding pine removal, allowing time for replacement plantings to establish sufficiently and to balance any significant loss of amenity through widespread removals. A specific timeframe is not given for complete removal, as this process is influenced by a number of factors, including available resourcing and funding.

Council recognises that the Castle Hill Village reserves are used and valued for a variety of reasons. This means it is likely that the community will have different views on how the reserves should be managed and developed into the future.

The Selwny district’s reserves are for all members of the community to enjoy. Council’s role is to balance the community’s diverse and varied needs when developing a policy, while also remaining conscious of the wider statutory framework in which it operates.

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Consultation closed on 17 March 2023.