By Mike Vincent, Associate, Baseline Group | Feb 04, 2022
Game changers do not come along often, however the Government recently released a Bill that will change how land development occurs across New Zealand. The Bill will require certain councils to change their district plans to allow, as of right now, more housing at greater densities in Tier 1 cities; Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, and Christchurch (including Selwyn and Waimakariri). Whilst not exclusive to major urban centres, the Bill also directs Tier 2 cities (Rotorua, New Plymouth, Nelson, Queenstown, Dunedin and others) to bring forward more intensification friendly policies to grow their centres.
But what does this mean for the average person and when will the change happen?
First of all, it speeds up the intensification requirements signalled to occur in the residential planning framework from 2024 to August 2022, meaning that projects can push forward with more certainty.
These changes will require Tier 1 councils to enable as much development capacity as possible in city centre zones (e.g. Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch CBD). Councils also must allow development to reach heights of at least 6 storeys within walkable catchments of rapid transit stops and the edges of city centre. Within Tier 2 centres, council will be required to enable heights and densities or urban form commensurate with the access to public transport or demand for housing.
Secondly, it will introduce a rule that will enable the development of 3 dwellings up to 3 storeys in all residential zones in urban environments (Tier 1 cities). These will be called medium density residential standards (MDRS). This will introduce new setbacks, outdoor living spaces and height in relation to boundary requirements to allow taller buildings closer to boundaries. Whilst focused on Tier 1 centres, special provisions can be introduced for Tier 2 cities where there are acute housing needs.
Thirdly, it introduces a new Intensification Streamlined Planning Process (ISPP) directing Council to give effect to the above amendments by August 2022. The amendment will have immediate legal effect and there are no appeals on decisions. This means the new rules will be effective from the date they are notified, August 2022 and resource consents will be processed on these terms from then on.
The only exemptions to these rules appear to be where there are certain qualifying matters such as natural hazards, open space providing for public use, historic heritage and iwi managed areas. It is anticipated there will be other defining factors, that will be determined before implementation.
In simple terms, the changes set out in the Bill will create a permanent shift in the flexibility of supply side of housing and have an impact on housing affordability. From an environmental perspective it will reduce the loss of productive land, reduce the cost of expensive infrastructure expansion and demonstrate efficiencies for existing services.
The proposed changes will lead to more affordable and equitable urban living. The effects will be small at first, noticeable within a decade and enormous for the next generation
This initiative appears to have cross bench support and whether you’re for or against “game changing”, the urban face of New Zealand is set to change.
Articles you might be interested in
- Proposed Selwyn District Plan Update
- Rural Allotment Sizes set to Double
- District Plan in Selwyn – How will it Affect You?
- Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes - effect on farming
- What does a professional planner do?
- Time's up on the RMA
- Who Pays for Infrastructure in Greenfield Land Development?
- The importance of knowing your boundaries
- How might Development Contributions affect you?
- Selwyn District Council Changes Urban Allotment Sizes
- Risks to farmland in the planning framework
- Rural allotment sizes set to double in West Selwyn
- Housing Intensification – Not for Everyone Says CCC
- Hazardous activities, land contamination and resource consent applications
- Housing Growth continues in Selwyn with Legislative Support
- Tiny Home Revolution May Not Save Costs
- The Great Forestry Debate
- Wild Weather and Resource Consent Requirements
- Cross lease titles - an overview
- Crunch Time For New Freshwater Legislation
- Buildings under exemptions may still need resource consent
- Spotlight on District Plan Provisions
- Councils are Increasing Residential Density, but why, who does it benefit?
- The Role of Planning in the Climate Change - Discussion for Agriculture
- Have your say on Development Projects
- Changes to Resource Management Planning Signalled in Proposed Legislation
- Balancing Common Sense and Legal Process under the RMA: Protecting Communities and the Environment
- Proposed Selwyn District Plan - What next?
- Commercial Activity in a Rural Zone – What’s the Harm?
- Planning Permissions – Resource Consent or Plan Change?
- A Practical Guide for District Plan Reviews
- Boundary disputes – What are they and how can you resolve them?
- Highly Productive Soils – Big Picture Thinking vs Private Landowners Needs
- Make Your Additional Land Profitable Under the Selwyn Proposed Plan
- A recent Baseline Group project was recognised at the 2022 Canterbury Architecture Awards
- But that’s the way we have always done it!
- Burning crop stubble on your property?
- Fundamental Culture Shift in New Zealand Planning Legislation.
- Good District Plan provisions save time and money
- Is the RMA really the problem?
- Change isn't coming, it's here!
- Minimum Car Parking Requirements to be Chopped
- What to do when you inherit land
- Negotiating with Neighbours Under the RMA
- Minimum car parking requirements to be chopped
- Indigenous Biodiversity: what does it mean for a farmer?
- Highly Productive Soils – Big Picture Thinking vs Private Landowners Needs
- The impact of consent notices when purchasing land
- Why we have complicated septic tank disposal rules
- Planning land use to be resilient to natural hazards
- Our History - How We All Play a Part in its Protection
- The dream of subdividing your land
- RMA changes are coming, are you ready?
- Planning Rules can Affect Property Value
- Who Shapes our Planning Rules?
- Managing Cultural Heritage Sites
- Is it a Wetland or Not?
- How lizards might affect your new development
- State highways, noise and reverse sensitivity: what’s the buzz?