October 26, 2004

Proposed plan changes show way forward

The Albany centre is one of North Shore City's fastest growing areas, and the aim is to ensure it becomes a vibrant and sustainable city centre.

To do that North Shore City Council needs to change its District Plan, and is asking for your feedback to do so.

The submission period for this proposed change and two others opens this week on Thursday, October 28, and will close on Friday, November 26.

North Shore City senior policy advisor, John Duguid, says proposed Plan Change 9 and Variation 67 relating to the Albany centre will help ensure a high quality urban centre.

"Based on previous feedback from the community, we've come up with a strategy for the Albany centre to make it into a place that attracts people and jobs, has high quality buildings, has safe, attractive parks and public spaces, and is easy to get around by walking, cycling or using public transport," says Mr Duguid.

That will involve a new mixed-use zone in the northern part of the centre, a new structure plan, new rules for design and location of buildings and development, stricter controls on apartments and more stringent rules for new development.

Proposed Plan Change 10 and Variation 68 are the result of changes to the Resource Management Act last year. North Shore City Council has already changed its procedures but needs to make sure all its rules are consistent with the law change.

Resource consents are being considered by serving notice (also called limited notification), as well as public notification or non-notification.

Proposed Plan Change 11 asks for people's feedback about changing the District Plan so that financial contributions can be made where onsite parking cannot be provided by business owners or developers.

Environmental policy advisor, Celia Davison, says the money would be used for off-street parking nearby.

"It won't mean there are less car parks overall, as our standards will remain the same. In some cases parking can't be provided for onsite, for example because it would be harmful to the environment or local heritage," Mrs Davison says.

People can formally comment on any or all of the proposed plan changes 9, 10 and 11 by filling in a submission form, which are available at council area offices or www.northshorecity.govt.nz.

Copies of the proposed plan changes can also be viewed at area offices and North Shore City libraries.

ENDS

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