Napier City Council has released the ‘Decisions Version’ of its Proposed District Plan, which includes new High Density Residential zones on 44 streets around the city.
The Council says High Density Residential zoning enables, but does not require, property owners to develop higher-density housing, instead market demand will determine whether and where this type of development occurs. Any new development must meet design standards including boundary setbacks, sunlight access, and open space requirements, and may require resource consent processes that consider effects on neighbours and the wider environment.
The medium and high-density residential zones align with the Napier Spatial Picture and meet criteria outlined in the National Policy Statement for Urban Development. Areas designated for intensification were chosen based on good access to shops, jobs, recreational areas, public transport, and amenities such as schools and healthcare, Council said in a statement.
The Proposed Napier District Plan has been the subject of extensive consultation spanning several years. Consultation on the Draft District Plan took place before and after its release in 2021. The Proposed district Plan was notified in September 2023.
Formal consultation included open days, pop-up sessions, presentations to interest groups, social media campaigns, and letters to all ratepayers and residents. This resulted in approximately 300 submissions with over 7,000 submission points. A panel of independent commissioners heard from submitters over the past year and made recommendations to Council.
The Napier Spatial Picture, which identifies areas of growth, also underwent public consultation in 2021 before being adopted in 2022.
The Decisions Version of the Proposed District Plan came into effect on 3 November. Those who made submissions have until Monday 15 December to lodge an appeal to the Environment Court. Once all appeals are resolved, the Plan becomes fully operative.
Property owners can check their zone by visiting the ePlan or contacting the Duty Planner or District Plan team.
Further information is available here: https://www.napier.govt.nz/assets/Proposed-District-Plan/DP-FAQs.pdf.
