Wednesday 24 April 2013

Council approves plan change for public input

Christchurch City Council is seeking public input on a proposed plan change that sets new standards for urban design and will improve the look and feel of suburban shopping centres.

The purpose of Plan Change 56 (Business 1, 2 and 2P Zones Urban Design and Amenity in Suburban Centres) is to stimulate good design in the rebuild of neighbourhood and district shopping centres so that they remain attractive and vibrant places for locals and visitors. It allows flexibility in design and will ensure appealing developments that integrate with public spaces and enhance the immediate surroundings, are accessible and safe.

The proposed plan change was today (24 April) approved by the Council to be publicly notified under the provisions of the Resource Management Act.

Brigitte de Ronde, City Planning Unit Manager, says, “The proposed plan change focuses on the appearance and urban design of new developments by adding rules and assessment criteria that may lead to more attractive and better functioning suburban shopping centres.

“The Council has taken on board feedback from the public around the quality of developments through the comprehensive consultation process. The plan change will play an integral role in setting standards as earthquake-damaged centres are rebuilt.

“Plan Change 56 aligns with the Suburban Centres Programme that has been implemented since the earthquakes and will ensure that developments add value and amenity to the neighbourhoods in which they are located.”

Following the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, the scope of the proposed plan change altered to reflect the rebuild of the district and local centres, and to remove the Central City Business Zones as they were covered by the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan. Consultation was conducted in 2011 and feedback confirmed good urban design is important to the community, as is the need for good regulatory controls over new developments.

The public will have an opportunity to make submissions supporting or opposing the proposed plan change. Submissions open on 11 May and close at 5pm on Monday 24 June.

Submission forms and information about the plan change will be available from 11 May at Council libraries and service centres, as well as online at www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay

The proposed change does not apply to the Banks Peninsula District Plan and the provisions for business centres within the Banks Peninsula area are unchanged.

ends

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