24 September 2004

Have your say on new provisions for residential units

Auckland City is looking at introducing specific guidelines to ensure multi-unit residential developments in the city follow quality urban design practices.

The public will have the opportunity to have their say on two proposed plan modifications: proposed plan modification 153, which seeks to incorporate urban design provisions for developments of four or more residential units in the residential 6 and 7 zones proposed plan modification 154, which seeks to improve the on-site amenity of residential units and better integrate them with commercial uses in business 2 and 3 zones.

The two proposed changes are to be publicly notified on Sunday 26 September and will be available for viewing at all Auckland City Libraries and at
www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/isthmusdistrictplan. Submissions close on 26 November 2004.

“Auckland City believes that as the number of multi-unit developments increases, it is important to ensure that they fit well with the existing community, as well as meeting the needs of residents,” says chairperson of the City Development Committee, Councillor Juliet Yates. “These proposed modifications will ensure quality urban design solutions are applied to these multi-unit developments.”

The proposed modifications would change the activity status of residential units within the zones to restricted discretionary activities. This would mean Auckland City would have the ability to grant, refuse or apply conditions to activities within the specified zones, depending on their urban design suitability. The plan change 153 proposals include assessing developments against specific criteria from the Residential Design Guide (contained in appendix 10 of the Isthmus plan), inserting a new front fence rule and additions to the existing private open space rule.

The plan change 154 proposals would introduce urban design requirements for residential units, rules which guide the location of residential units and car parking away from street frontages and guidelines relating to noise, retention of daylight, visual privacy and private open space.

ENDS

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