9.02.2011

Auckland Mayor Len Brown appealed to more than 400 Property Council members this morning for unity on the Auckland Plan. “Don’t litigate this thing to death for the next 10 years. Don’t fight each other - there’s too much at stake,” he said.

But Property Council chief executive Connal Townsend said whether the Mayor’s draft Auckland Plan could survive any potential appeals through the Environment Court would depend on the Council’s willingness to consult and listen to the views of affected property owners.

“The test will also require the Mayor to reasonably address legitimate planning issues affecting both current and future property owners.”
Mr Townsend said so far, he was pleased with the way Auckland Council was listening to stakeholders’ concerns in mapping out the Auckland Plan.

“The Council has got to get the Auckland Plan right, as it will shape the future of the city for the next generation. Housing affordability, land use, and future intensification and development in particular are all crucial so the city can cater for growth and improve living standards for all Aucklanders.

“How we provide for the needs of young people, in terms of where they will live and the homes they will own will be a key test as to whether Auckland will be the beautiful liveable city that the Mayor envisages.”

Mr Brown also called on Property Council to work with the city to build systems and procedures to get development and construction moving. Auckland Council was working with rigour on improving the building and resource consent processes.

“We are the ‘yes’ council,” he promised.

Property Council Auckland Branch President Graeme Birkhead has been appointed to the Auckland Council Regulatory Board, which exists to monitor customer and business issues about how regulatory services are delivered under the Auckland Council.

Mr Townsend said the ability to apply for and get consent to develop sections and build properties was fundamental to the well-being of the property and construction sectors.

“So we are very pleased with the progress that has been made to date to expedite the overhaul of the region’s multiple consenting systems. The Mayor wants Auckland to be the ‘yes’ council and we intend to hold him to that pledge.”

ENDS

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