Councillors must approve 400,000 homes

Auckland Councillors must approve the proposed Unitary Plan’s goal of allowing 422,000 dwellings in the next 30 years, says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“Solving a housing shortage is simple: let people build houses. The proposed Unitary Plan allows for 422,000 houses over the next 30 years. It’s an ambitious and necessary target.

“Unfortunately, the plan fails to entirely remove the urban boundary, which artificially forces development inwards and slows housing supply. By continuing to force intensification, they are essentially using the thinking that got us into this mess to try to get us out of it.

“Over the next three weeks Councillors will hear legitimate concerns about school zones, congestion, and community character. They need to incorporate this feedback without subtracting from the plan’s ultimate housing supply target.

“For example, if Councillors decide to reduce the extent of intensification, they could offset negative housing supply effects by eliminating the urban boundary.

“If Councillors can make their final amendments while still allowing for over 400,000 new houses that can realistically be built, then there will be no need to send in commissioners.”

ENDS

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