After two years in the making, the Tamahere Structure Plan, which proposes land in central Tamahere be zoned for a retail precinct or village hub is open for public submissions.

The structure plan proposes the rezoning of some land for future retail and recreation activities in the Tamahere Country Living Zone, updates walkways, and recommends amendments for stormwater and wastewater management along with some new provisions and design guidelines.

When fully developed Tamahere could be home to around 5000 people, up from today’s 2500, and the plan is an attempt to cater for their needs in the future.

A number of public consultation days have been held in the lead up to the formal notification of the structure plan but making a submission now on the plan is the way residents’ views on how Tamahere develops can be recognised by the Waikato District Council.

Tamahere councillor Wally Hayes has urged locals to look at what is proposed and make their opinions known.

“The Tamahere Country Living Zone, due its size and location, is a unique and valuable asset,” Hayes said.

The plan can be viewed here on the Waikato District Council website, where submissions forms can also be found. Submissions close on August 28.

Meanwhile, the Tamahere Community Committee, which has helped develop the structure plan over the last two years will have its monthly meeting on Monday, August 6 at 7.30pm in the Tamahere Community Centre.