Intensive Madness

Many residents will be unaware of the requirements forced upon North Shore to allow large multi-storied developments in even our smaller community centres. Government and regional planners required North Shore City to accept plan changes primarily to effect an ‘efficient transport strategy’ with scant attention given o the impact of small local communities such as Highbury and Beach Haven. Local amenities such as adequate reserves, neighbourhood parks, shops, medical facilities and other services are essential to avoid the social problems that often accompany unplanned intensification. I am hoping that a neighbourhood park or civic square can be introduced into the Highbury and Beach Haven shopping areas. However whatever your views, the Plan Change for Beach Haven is now subject to substantial further detailed investigation and consultation. Residents are encouraged to attend and contribute to an ideas and project planning workshop on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 of February at the Beach Haven Methodist Church Hall (behind the traffic roundabout in Beach Haven’s centre). The idea is to help the decision on a particular project to enhance our local Beach Haven community. Further consultation is also planned for the Highbury town centre.