Community views sought on plan for proposed new residential zone
Published on 20 November 2024
We’re calling on our community to give us feedback on our proposed Medium Density Residential Zone, which would allow for a wider variety of homes in the city.
The aim of Proposed District Plan Change I: Increasing Housing Supply and Choice is to make housing more accessible by enabling more new homes close to the amenities and infrastructure we already have. It would also widen the range of housing options available, providing more choice.
The proposed rules would mean houses in this zone could be taller, up to 11 metres (typically 3 storeys), and closer together with smaller section sizes than currently allowed. The types of housing within the Medium Density Residential Zone could include duplexes, multi-units, town houses and apartments.
General Manager of Strategic Planning David Murphy says the proposed District Plan change forms part of our Future Development Strategy by making better use of existing space within the city.
"Instead of enabling this type of housing everywhere, we're proposing the new Medium Density Residential Zone would be in places within a walkable distance to parks, shops, schools and public transport. Using the space we already have in the city means existing infrastructure can support the growth, with upgrades in some locations when needed. This approach creates more housing options right where people need them and could help reduce carbon emissions by making it easier for people to choose to walk, bike, scooter or bus at times.”
We’ve made some changes based on community feedback and technical advice on stormwater
We’ve sought community feedback twice in the past, and that’s helped shape this final plan. We’ve had 684 people fill in online forms, along with face to face and social media feedback.
Mr Murphy says this public feedback, along with more technical information on stormwater management, has been used to help shape the final draft of our proposal.
“The main change we’ve made in response to public feedback is to reduce the number of buildings proposed to be allowed on each site, from six to three. This would still allow more homes to be built on sections within the zone, while reducing the possible impacts on neighbours.
“We’re also proposing that a resource consent would not be needed for some new homes in the medium density residential zone, as long as they meet the standards set out in the proposed plan change. All new homes would still require building consent.
“By removing the need for resource consent, we aim to simplify the existing requirements for building multi-unit homes, addressing feedback from developers who find the current rules too complicated.”
Mr Murphy says recent technical advice from stormwater specialists has highlighted some areas in the city where we’ll need to consider the impacts of stormwater (rain) on a case-by-case basis.
“This is to help ensure we can manage the city’s stormwater properly and that new development doesn’t pose a risk to existing properties.”
While these areas will still be part of the new zone, a resource consent would be required that would need to include a stormwater impact report for the property. You can check which areas this applies to by viewing the Stormwater Overlay feature on the interactive map on our website.
We’ve also changed the name to Proposed Plan Change I: Increasing Housing Supply and Choice. Mr Murphy says this is to better reflect the aim of the proposed change.
He adds that though our neighbourhoods will change over the coming decades, it’s unlikely this will happen quickly.
“Medium density housing is already allowed in many areas within 800 metres of the city centre, and around some neighbourhood shopping centres. What we’ve seen in these areas is a gradual change, with some developers building more densely on each site and others choosing to stick with traditional homes.”
For more information, or to have your say go to pncc.govt.nz/growing. The closing date for submissions is 4pm, 4 February 2025.