Christchurch City Plan now online

For the first time, and after numerous submissions, appeals and variations have been heard and decided, Christchurch's City Plan is now partly operative and online in its entirety, at www.ccc.govt.nz/cityplan

Council City Plan team leader David Mountfort says that having the plan online provides many benefits for those who use it.

"The online City Plan will always be up-to date. As well, any updates that are made to the City Plan will be downloadable for those who wish to update their own hard copy," he says.

It is hoped that in the future, the template will be made available to other local authorities.

One of the biggest advantages to having the City Plan online is that it incorporates a search engine, allowing the public to search for exactly what they want without having to search the whole document by hand.

"Having a search engine is one unique aspect of the Christchurch City Plan," Mr Mountfort says. "Another is that the information can easily be copied and pasted out of the plan and into other documents.

Mr Mountfort says that the Council will now deal with a backlog of changes and improvements to the plan, using the publicly notified change process. The public also now have the opportunity to apply for changes to be made to the plan.

The City Plan was notified in 1995. Some aspects are not yet complete, including issues relating to flooding and retailing in industrial zones. The plan is a 'living document' and is never finally finished, however, having the plan operative in part is an important milestone.

Hard-copy versions of the City Plan will still be available to the public if required.

ENDS

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