Plan Change Offers Greater Protection For Urban Dwellers Adjoining Business Zones

More control over business zone activities at their interface with residential zones will result from a District Plan change recently adopted by the Auckland City Council.

The council initiated plan change offers greater protection for urban dwellers who live alongside Business zones 2,3,4,5,5a and 6.

Planning and Regulatory Committee chairperson Councillor Juliet Yates says current District Plan rules have been ineffective in dealing with some adverse effects arising from activities in business zones where they adjoin residential areas.

“There has been little to prevent potentially disastrous situations such as a new commercial development being built within arm’s reach of residential apartments and taking away access to sunlight, fresh air and views,” Councillor Yates says.

“This change will achieve a better balance between business and residential needs within these areas and offer residents some lifestyle protection.

“We need to ensure that policies and rules are in place to enable quality environments close to work, entertainment and recreation. By ensuring that residents who live in or near Business zones have high amenity and design controls, we can maintain the vitality of the city for future generations.”

The new plan change means buildings and activities being established within 30 metres of residential land will become restricted discretionary activities, thus enabling the council to have more influence about what can and cannot be done within this defined area, Councillor Yates says.

“The council is satisfied that the changes provide for a reasonable amount of activity within the business zones at the residential interface while still protecting adjoining residential areas from the adverse effects of development.”

Mrs Yates says assessment criteria will apply within the area of interface and new development opposite residential zoned land will have to meet a new recession control.

“We have included design guidelines in the criteria to prevent new buildings becoming over dominant and have suggested methods to lessen the possible perception of unsympathetic bulk and protect privacy,” she says.

“Activities can be considered on a case by case basis and it is encouraging that planning consultants representing some submitters believe the design guidelines are a useful alternative to other development controls that could have been imposed.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Councillor Juliet Yates, tel: 528 0581 or 025 327 437.

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