Agreement reached over future development in Panmure

4 October 2006

Auckland Regional Council has decided not to pursue legal action to provide higher height limits in an area identified for development by Auckland City Council, next to the proposed Panmure railway station.

Auckland City Plan Change 59 allows for intensified development of an eight-hectare area of existing residential land adjacent to the proposed railway station. However, when Auckland City Council decided to limit building height in the area to two storeys, the ARC appealed the decision to the Environment Court.

The ARC was concerned that a two-storey height limit was too restrictive in an area identified for growth adjacent to a railway station.

After representations from Auckland City and the Panmure community, the ARC has decided to withdraw its appeal.

ARC Chairman Michael Lee says the decision reflects the Council’s respect for the aspirations of the local community.

“The ARC is taking a more sophisticated approach to intensification. We will be focusing more on the local environmental impacts of the Regional Growth Strategy.

“The people of Panmure have made it clear they wanted development restricted to two storeys. We are conscious of the need to bring the community along with us when we look to intensify development around town centres and key transport services.”

Cr Lee said the decision also reflected the work and resources that Auckland City has put into land use intensification and transport improvements.

““Auckland City has identified areas for mixed use residential and business intensification elsewhere in Panmure, as well as other parts of the city. They have also contributed significantly to the upgrade of the rail network.”

Mr Lee said he was looking forward to working with Auckland City on other projects to integrate land use and transport.

“The ARC is committed to a close partnership with Auckland City to secure quality urban form integrated with transport, particularly public transport, in areas such as Newmarket and New Lynn.”

Ends

© Scoop Media