Hearings decision on Christchurch Replacement District Plan is a leap forward

Property Council South Island Branch is pleased that the Independent Hearings Panel on the Christchurch District Plan has explicitly recognised the importance of private investment in the city.

The Panel has identified the challenges the city faces in post-earthquake recovery distinguish it from other large cities in New Zealand. For that reason it found that a “new sort of plan” is required to support the city’s unique set of circumstances, one that goes “significantly further” in enabling investment than the version as notified.

Also, the Panel’s focus on the Strategic Directions Chapter having primacy and influencing all other chapters of the Plan is particularly applauded. The South Island Branch made a conscious decision to focus its effort on this chapter.

Branch President Jo McDonald says getting that chapter into good shape will ensure that the balance of the plan will now follow suit. “We are delighted to see the strong direction provided to the Council”.

A new objective requiring the District Plan to minimise transaction costs and reliance on resource consent processes makes a big difference to the rate of development. Property Council has consistently challenged the over-regulation inherent throughout the Plan as notified. The acceptance of the Panel that this is a critical matter is gratifying, particularly as the balance of the Plan is now required to be consistent with this objective.

The need for an enabling plan is a matter Property Council has reiterated in all phases of the District Plan consultation and hearing process, and it is heartening to see that this matter has been well understood by the Panel. The challenge for the Council is to now take on that direction and ensure the balance of the Plan is reflective of it.

Branch president Jo McDonald says the Panel’s response gives hope to see the city moving forward in the right direction.

“We are delighted that the Panel has produced such a robust and well-considered decision. The Panel clearly understand the complexity of the rebuild, the high reliance on the private sector and the necessity to deliver a plan specifically tailored to the Christchurch situation.”

The Panel’s decision urges the Council to be mindful of the importance of coherence and consistency in drafting the balance of the Plan. Property Council endorses that request and looks forward to delivery of a more focused and enabling plan as the process continues.

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