Chch Regional Policy Statement amendment
Regional Policy Statement amendment
The Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery, Gerry Brownlee, has announced that the operative Canterbury Regional Policy Statement (RPS) is to be amended.
The amendment adds Proposed Change 1 into the operative RPS as a new chapter, Chapter 12A. Proposed Change 1 itself will then be officially revoked.
The announcement will enable greater certainty and efficiency around the development of land in the areas covered by the new Chapter 12A, particularly for housing. It will assist in providing for short-term demand including relocation, as well as forming the basis of a long-term strategy.
Dame Margaret Bazley, Chair of Environment Canterbury's Commissioners, says that Environment Canterbury is supportive of the approach currently being progressed. "It is important that we all achieve the best outcome for Greater Christchurch. The difficult circumstances of the past year have demanded flexible yet rigorous thinking around land-use planning for the future.
"We look forward to working closely with the Minister, with CERA, and with our Urban Development Strategy partners in the continued rebuild of Greater Christchurch."
Background: UDS and RPS
Environment
Canterbury is a strategic partner with regard to the Greater
Christchurch Urban Development Strategy (UDS). The UDS is a
collaborative partnership between the Christchurch City
Council, Environment Canterbury, the District Councils of
Selwyn and Waimakariri, and the NZ Transport Agency, to
manage growth and development in the Greater Christchurch
area, including the location of future housing, development
of social and retail activity centres, areas for new
employment and integration with transport
networks.
Environment Canterbury has statutory
responsibility for the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement,
which sets the framework for resource management in
Canterbury. It provides an overview of the significant
resource management issues facing the region, and sets out
objectives, policies and methods to address the region's
resource management issues. Its goal is the integrated
management of the region's natural and physical
resources.