Auckland Council is strongly encouraging people to make a submission on proposed changes to the city’s planning rulebook – the Auckland Unitary Plan – allowing for considerably more higher-density housing across the city before time runs out on 29 September 2022.
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. These changes require the 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.
John Duguid, General Manger Plans and Places, says it is crucial to hear from as many people as possible given these changes 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.
“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,” says Mr Duguid.
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.
How to be heard
Submissions are open until Thursday 29 September 2022. People can find more about Plan Change 78 and make an online submission on the Auckland Council website here.
More information is also available at ourauckland.nz/planchanges or at local libraries and Auckland Council service centres.
There are also planning maps showing the proposed changes and instructions on how to use the maps.
