Brightwater has experienced rapid growth recently and now has a population of over 2,300 people, appealing to young families as a place to live. Highly productive land surrounds Brightwater and the town is vulnerable to flood hazards. Brightwater residential areas are suburban in character, dominated by traditional, free-standing, one to two storey housing. The density is low at about nine dwellings per hectare.
- Providing enough serviced land for housing and business when there are flooding and productive land constraints.
- Some existing scattered industrial activities can create effects that are incompatible with residential neighbours.
- As Brightwater grows and changes, there is a risk that it may:
- Lack sufficient reserve, recreation and community facilities.
- Lose internal connectivity (active movement networks within Brightwater, particularly due to SH6 severance).
- Lose its distinctive sense of place, identity and character.
- The range of housing choice is limited and, for many residents, houses are unaffordable.
- All commercial land is taken up.
- The range of commercial services in Brightwater is limited, largely due to proximity to nearby Richmond.
- Implement the Future Development Strategy which provides for housing intensification around the Brightwater centre, and additional residential, commercial and light industrial land.
- In greenfield expansion areas, maximise the use of the land and provide housing choice.
- Provide active connections to Brightwater town centre and greenspace, including additional access from the residential area to Brightwater school.
- Enable intensification of established standard residential areas where appropriate.
- Enable further commercial activity consolidated in Ellis Street.