Friday news in brief

Stoush over proposed 1000 home development heats up

Todd Property Group has fired an opening sally in its battle to win Environment Court approval for a planned housing development just north of Auckland – with the launch of a new website on the project.

The proposed development in Okura, beside Long Bay Regional Park would include 750 to 1000 houses, parks and a 2km long coastal reserve and the website provides detailed information about the plans.

Todd Property Group managing director Evan Davies said the development would be sustainable, provide real benefits to Auckland, and would involve the protection of the existing marine reserve in the area.

However, there is staunch opposition to the proposal from local residents and environmental groups: After wending its way through Auckland Council where it was approved under the Unitary Plan but declined by the Governing Body, it is now headed for the Environment Court.