An expected surge in the number of housing developments in Papamoa East is being welcomed with open arms by the local community association, in what is a 'ringing endorsement” for the suburb.

After a brief discussion this week, Papamoa Progressive Association is entirely supportive of the five property developer applications to construct up to 2000 new builds under Tauranga City's new Social Housing Accord.

The proposed developments in Papamoa. Photo: Supplied.

'There is a perceived shortage of housing and obviously, as Tauranga's largest suburb, we will take any opportunity to take the pressure off,” says Papamoa Progressive Association chairman David Hill.

The proposed developments, spanning between Domain Road and Golden Sands Drive, could see the houses developed over a period of five years or longer.

Papamoa Junction (100 builds), Zariba (250-275), Nga Potiki (400+), Hawridge Developments (600) and Golden Sands (560) are all seeking to have their proposals fall under the Housing Accord and Special Housing Area legislation.

All proposals are for residential type subdivisions but only Nga Potiki has outlined a 'significant focus” on delivering affordable housing on Maori-owned land as part of the new Wairakei subdivision, at the end of Ashley Place.

David says the lack of apparent affordable housing proposed is not necessarily a worrying concern as developers target varying buyers across the property market and all will be catered for.

'There is enormous interest in housing across the board, from affordability to high end as well. All options should be, and will be, considered,” he says.

'Affordable housing is very topical at the moment and there is varying degrees of what affordability means to different people.”

Under the Housing Accords and Special Housing Areas Act 2013, special housing areas can be established to provide for the fast-tracking of new housing to the market.

Under the accord, Council has the power to streamline resource consent approvals, allowing consents to be processed faster than under the standard provisions of the Resource Management Act.

David says seeing the development timeline being halved from 10 years to five years is a ringing endorsement for all things Papamoa and the growing popularity of the suburb.

With next Tuesday's council open day on the proposed developments, the public are encouraged to take advantage of what is the one chance to discuss the projects.

'We would encourage all the locals to come along from all walks of life,” he adds.

'This is an enormous opportunity for everyone to be involved, not just in the consultation process, but the planning process and all the good things going on in Papamoa East.”

Details of each developer proposal can be found at here, along with information about how the public can give feedback. Feedback must be received by 5pm on October 28, 2014.