Whakatāne District Council have opened applications for a reference group to assist planning long term urban expansion of Awakeri.
Earlier this month, Council discussed development of Awakeri Expansion Structure Plans.
Planning and Consents Manager Nicolas Woodley said the structure plan will be vital to shaping what Awakeri will look like in the future.
It will outline plans for the construction of 2,000 homes over 30-plus years.
Local businesses, roads and parks would also be included, but Woodley said maintaining the village feel will be a priority.
Now the community are being asked to apply for the community reference group to bring insight and community values into the planning process.
"We heard clearly from the community that people want to be part of these conversations from the start," so the refence group will provide a place for those voices to be heard, he said.
The group will hold particular influence over liveability, transport connections and the feel of the area.
Residents, landowners and business owners are encouraged to get involved to bring diverse perspectives to the plan.
Applications will be open for ten days, starting March 20th.
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