Marlborough is predicted to run out of land zoned for housing within the next 30 years.
The report identifies a potential shortfall of land for urban development of around 900 dwellings in the long term, driven by faster-than-anticipated growth in Blenheim. Photo: 123RF
A report by Marlborough District Council says the region's population is projected to exceed 60,000 people by 2048, with a shortfall in the longer term predicted for urban development in the region.
It comes after increased pressure on Blenheim's housing market and faster-than-anticipated growth in the town.
Chief executive Mark Wheeler said the report identified a potential shortfall of land for urban development in the long term, of around 900 dwellings.
"There are also potentially constraints to developing already zoned land soon enough to meet anticipated demand over the next five years. Landowners with land currently zoned residential hold the key to unlocking this.
"To alleviate this, there may be opportunities in the short term to rezone land on the periphery of Blenheim. Several developers are actively planning to approach council with rezoning requests which they believe could assist with this short term challenge.
Under the National Policy Statement for Urban Development released in 2020, councils are required to provide enough land for urban development.
The findings from the Housing and Business Development Capacity Assessment 2021 were shared with the council's planning, finance and community committee last week and have prompted a refresh of the region's growth strategy.
Statistics New Zealand's high growth population projections (based on 2018 Census data) indicate the growth in Marlborough over the next 25 years will result in an additional 9,490 people on the 2021 population estimate of 51,510.
Nearly 80 percent of this growth is projected to occur within 10km of central Blenheim.
Wheeler said the Growing Marlborough strategy, which was completed in 2013 was nearly 10 years old and it was time to review it.
It would allow the council to take a closer look at the long-term needs of the region.
The assessment was focused on residential activity, but included a brief update on demand for business land.
Wheeler said assessing demand for business land continued to be a challenge and the assessment recommended the council assess business land needs during the refresh of the growth strategy.
"We will do this in consultation with the business community to ensure that the provision of land for business activity is sufficient and appropriate to provide for growth over the long term."
The planning, finance and community committee recommendations will be put to the Marlborough District Council this week.