Generation Zero response to first day of unitary plan debate

Thursday, 11 August 2016, 11:13 am
Press Release: Generation Zero

Generation Zero response to first day of unitary plan debate

Generation Zero urges the Auckland Council to make minimal changes to the Unitary Plan as it is debated by the Governing Body over the next several days.

The Council overwhelmingly voted today to debate and adopt or reject each aspect of the plan individually. This line by line decision making will happen at governing body hearings over the next few days.

“The Unitary Plan has been put through a thorough process by the Independent Hearings Panel, with hearings lasting for more than 18 months. “ Auckland Director, Leroy Beckett

“Any rejection of the hearings panel recommendations will likely lead to drawn out court battles that only benefit those who are very well funded, with no assurance the council will win.

The councilors should avoid debating the merits of minor changes or individual sites unless there is clear public interest in doing so. Making ad hoc changes to the plan will to lead to a confusing and conflicting plan.

So far today the process has broadly gone well with rejections only occurring on key issues, and the debate has generally be kept at an appropriate level. We encourage councillors to continue along this level of discussion.

Auckland is urgently in need of more homes, and delaying the implementation of important sections of the Unitary Plan will only makes things more difficult. The Unitary Plan rules will help more housing and better housing choices to be built across Auckland. “

ENDS

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