Feedback sought on amendments to Christchurch District Plan

The proposal was developed by Christchurch City Council after it was highlighted there was an absence of a specific policy direction to support the Residential Unit Overlay.

The Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration, Hon Dr Megan Woods, is seeking feedback on a proposal aimed at clarifying the planning rules for residential homes in some eastern suburbs.

The proposal was developed by Christchurch City Council after it was highlighted there was an absence of a specific policy direction to support the Residential Unit Overlay.

Dr Woods says the Residential Unit Overlay is an area consisting of parts of New Brighton, South New Brighton, Southshore and Redcliffs where the risk of flooding is mainly from sea level rise.

"The proposal would allow people with vacant sites within the Residential Unit Overlay where homes have been demolished following the earthquakes, to build without requiring a resource consent.

"It is intended to provide greater clarity and certainty overbuilding in these coastal areas of the city."

The proposal asks the Minister to use her powers under section 71 of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act 2016 to make the amendments to the Christchurch District Plan.

Using section 71 would fast track and make the amendments possible.

All written comments must be received by 5.00pm, Monday, 26 November 2018 and will be taken into account by the Minister in deciding whether to approve the Proposal.

(With Inputs from New Zealand Government Press Release)