Unitary Plan must aid housing choices for future generations

Friday, 30 August 2013, 10:48 am
Press Release: Generation Zero

30 August 2013

Unitary Plan must enable housing choices for future generations - Generation Zero

Youth organisation, Generation Zero, is calling for Councillors to enable a range of housing choices for the next generation when they make decisions on the Draft Unitary Plan over the next few days.

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.”

The Unitary Plan is currently up for debate with key decisions on the two mixed housing zones being made today. The Council has already passed an amendment to enforce stricter density controls in the mixed suburban zone.

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.”

The Plan already enables over 160,000 new households to be built outside Auckland's existing urban area.

“Instead of focussing on 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.

About Generation Zero:
Generation Zero is an independent youth organisation seeking to catalyse action on climate change in New Zealand, by promoting smart transport, liveable cities and independence from fossil fuels. For more information see:
www.generationzero.org.nz
www.facebook.com/GenerationZero

ENDS

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