A draft structure plan has been prepared for a large parcel of land that runs from the ocean to the Princes Highway and from the township to rural properties in the west.

It takes in Thistle Place and undeveloped land in Anna Catherine Drive and Phillip Street, containing 48 properties on more than 70 hectares, including private residences and tourist accommodation.

Councillors voted at their July meeting to release the long-awaited document for public comment. It recommends rezoning farm land in the west of the area to a rural living zone.

To the south of Thistle Place, it calls for land in the low-density residential zone to be changed to a rural living zone with a minimum lot size of one hectare. The minimum lot zone recommended for the low-density residential zone is 4000 square metres. The plan also recommends extending Thistle Place west, to link back to the Princes Highway.

Landowners involved in the development of the draft plan urged the council to protect sand dunes and coastal cliffs, prohibit large-scale tourist developments and make gas and sewerage connection available.