There were considerable challenges in designing and consenting a residential development in an area of high ecological sensitivity and use by the threatened nationally critical long-tailed bat.

Boffa Miskell landscape architects and ecologists worked with the client and a large team of consultant partners and iwi partners through the initial assessments, Council Hearings, and Environment Court case to gain a response consent for the whole development site.

Boffa Miskell ecologists and bat specialists assisted with the implementation of the initial stages of the development which has involved the drafting of the considerable management plan package for detailing how ecological impacts are to be managed, vegetation clearance and lizard salvage, design and implementation of early plantings as required by the consent.

We undertook initial terrestrial and freshwater ecological assessments, including for long-tailed bats; and provided and implemented ecological management plan. Our design contribution includes the initial visual assessment, the design of reserves, streetscapes and neighbourhoods, and integration of these with the required ecological management aspects.

We subsequently assisted the client with advice related to plan changes within Hamilton and the Peacocke Structure Plan area that impact the consented development proposal.