National Policy Statement on Urban Development Capacity a Step Forward

Source: EMA

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The National Policy Statement on Urban Development Capacity is a step forward in addressing some of businesses’ concerns around managing growth and development, but it’s another workaround for a failing RMA, says the EMA.

"We have pushed for the provision of sufficient land supply for business to be allowed for in the planning stages, along with a co-ordinated approach to matching infrastructure with development, and are pleased to see this included," says Kim Campbell, CEO, EMA.

"However, as highlighted in today’s announcement this is required to make the RMA work better for growth. If the Act was working effectively we wouldn’t need continual interventions like this," says Mr Campbell.

"Our members are deeply frustrated by congestion issues which are often the result of a mismatch of housing and business development, and how infrastructure is built to support this.

"Therefore, our view is that infrastructure should lead development - rather than follow. There is still a mindset, that infrastructure should keep pace with growth and this needs to be reversed.

"We do welcome the requirement of the NPS for the coordination of councils and infrastructure providers. This has been lacking or inconsistent previously," says Mr Campbell.

ENDS

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