AK Council fails next gen by restricting housing choices

Tuesday, 3 September 2013, 9:36 am
Press Release: Generation Zero

Monday 2 September 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Auckland Council fails next generation by restricting housing choices - Generation Zero

Youth organisation, Generation Zero, is disappointed that Councillors have restricted future housing choices for the next generation by imposing extensive density controls and height limits in the Draft Unitary Plan.

Spokesperson for Generation Zero, Dr Sudhvir Singh; “It’s important that Councillors recognise that this is a long-term plan which needs to incorporate the changing trends we are observing amongst young people, particularly the increasing demand for a range of housing choices and a move beyond car dependency.”

Today, the Council passed amendments to enforce stricter density controls and height limits in town centres, despite the proposed Plan already imposing new height restrictions. Dr Singh: “Every time the Unitary Plan is rolled back and housing choices are further limited, we are effectively endorsing more urban sprawl and the associated increases in infrastructure spending, traffic congestion and carbon pollution.”

Prior to today’s amendments, the Plan already enabled over 160,000 new households to be built outside Auckland's existing urban area. “Young people are calling for density done well, enabling more housing choices in areas where we work and study. Instead of focussing on height and minimum sizes, Councillors should focus on quality, and ensure that the Plan enables a range of housing choices that will help Auckland overcome the major challenges of housing affordability and climate change” says Dr Singh.

ENDS

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