A long-running court case concerning Long Bay in northern Auckland, has been settled, allowing an extension of North Shore suburbs.
A 38-hectare piece of land has been the subject of court action between developers, environmental groups and Auckland Council for more than a decade.
The council says the Environment Court ruling allows 2500 buildings, including a village shopping centre and homes.
However, development near Long Bay Regional Park is constrained and there are other restrictions to protect sensitive plant and animal populations.