Auckland’s latest density rules could further restrict building on risky properties

Council planning director Megan Tyler. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

About 12,000 properties most at risk from natural hazards were included in Plan Change 120 (PC120), the council’s response to the Government’s directive to plan for a theoretical capacity of 2 million homes.

These properties were “downzoned”, making new developments on them harder or not permitted at all. Of the properties, 2000 were in flood plains, and 10,000 were subject to coastal erosion.

Planning director Megan Tyler was unable to tell councillors when maps reflecting the 1.6 million figure would be available for the public, saying councillors will respond to a letter from Bishop to Mayor Wayne Brown when they meet next week.

In the letter, Bishop has asked the council to provide a summary of two things:

The approach to reviewing densities across the city, including any principles the council may use to make any changes. An outline of areas or suburbs that might be affected by any changes, including any likely withdrawal or amendment of the PC120 provisions, with a brief description of the purpose and nature of any likely amendments.The new density rules will provide capacity for 1.6 million new homes over the coming decades.

To a question from councillor Sarah Paterson-Hamlin about how the council will respond to the 10,000-plus people who have made submissions on PC120 based on a 2 million figure, Tyler said it was a tricky and unusual process, and top of mind for staff.

She said the council is treating the matter as an amendment to PC120 and reassured submitters that their input remains active in the process. She also noted that the council understands the Government wants to ensure people have the opportunity to participate.

Councillor Mike Lee said what people want to see is what their street and neighbourhood will look like with the new adjusted 1.6 million figure, and when.

Brown said the council had spent $10 million on the earlier Plan Change 78 – which allowed up to three dwellings, three storeys high, on most residential sections in Auckland – and since Christmas, had blown $3m on PC120, as well as having about 55 staff reading 10,000 submissions on PC120.

“This is expensive … it is not as simple as pushing a button, which I have heard some people say. In this organisation you get a lift by pushing a button.

“We will be telling the Government what Aucklanders want, not the other way around,” Brown said.

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