Artist impression of what the housing developments in Flaxmere could look like.
Artist impression of what the housing developments in Flaxmere could look like.
A housing project to build 150 new homes in Flaxmere is a step closer to reality - after a network of new roads was signed off.
Hastings District Council met on Thursday and voted to grant approval for roads and reserves to be built at three council-owned Flaxmere development sites.
The wider project is aimed at addressing the growing housing crisis by providing more affordable homes.
The council has plans to develop and build houses on three sites including a large vacant field near Flaxmere Town Centre, a vacant piece of land at 72 Caernarvon Drive near Flaxmere College, and another vacant piece of land at 244 Flaxmere Ave.
The development sites will include about 80 lots at Flaxmere Town Centre, about 60 lots at 72 Caernarvon Drive, and about 35 lots at 244 Flaxmere Ave when complete.
He said the latest decision from councillors was largely about green-lighting the necessary roading.
"This is essentially a tick off (by council) to proceed with the physical works to create the roads and the sub-division of the blocks."
He said work could begin on the new roads in November once the tender process was completed.
"Covid pending of course but that is the plan," he said.
Roading works will begin on the Flaxmere Town Centre and 244 Flaxmere Ave development sites first. That will be followed by the site at 72 Caernarvon Drive in the first quarter of next year.
Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said it was "a great opportunity to have some amazing homes for our people".
"Providing homes for our people is one of our council's top priorities," she said.
Council papers stated that a report will be brought to council in the future to make decisions on the next stages of the project including "any potential development partners, to achieve the current and future affordable housing needs of the community".
