Auckland Council is “strongly encouraging” ratepayers to make a submission on proposed changes to the city’s planning rulebook that will see higher-density housing permitted across the city.
Submissions to the Auckland Unitary Plan will be accepted until 29 September.
Known as Plan Change 78, the proposed changes respond to central government’s National Policy Statement on Urban Development and major changes to the Resource Management Act. The changes require Council to enable buildings of six storeys or more within walking distances of Auckland’s city centre, 10 large metropolitan centres, and around rapid transit stops.
General Manger Plans and Places, John Duguid says it was crucial to hear from as many people as possible given the changes “will have major impacts on how our city grows in the years ahead”.
“Making a submission is the single most important way for people to be heard, on changes that will allow for more housing at greater heights and density close to urban centres, around rapid transit stops, and across most residential areas, including more apartments and townhouses,” said Mr Duguid.
“These changes will be significant for current and future Aucklanders, so it is important for all our diverse communities to give their views on how the city grows. This will ensure that what they say can be considered by an Independent Hearings Panel who will make recommendations on changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan early next year.
“There are only a few weeks left before the submission period closes on 29 September. People can find more information on Plan Change 78 and make a submission online through the Auckland Council website,” he said.
As required by changes to the Resource Management Act, an Independent Hearings Panel will consider all submissions, and hear directly from people who submitted, in 2023. They will then make recommendations to the council on the changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan by March 2024.
Make an online submission on the Auckland Council website here.
There are also planning maps showing the proposed changes (pictured).
