Unitary Plan Mixed Bag for Business

Unitary Plan Mixed Bag for Business

Source: EMA

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Auckland Council’s Unitary Plan has allowed for growth of general commercial development in key areas of the city, but does not seem to have fully aligned this with new residential development, says the EMA.

While the plan outlines residential growth across the city, looking at intensification around transport corridors and town centres in particular to match employment opportunities, there are still unanswered questions around how this matches up with commercial growth.

"Primarily, new commercial land is zoned for general business use and most of this in the north and central areas, with a modest increase in Rodney. Yet, the highest areas of residential intensification are outlined for west and south Auckland, and there appears to be a disconnect between population growth and commercial development," says Kim Campbell, CEO, EMA.

"Its vital infrastructure leads development for commercial and residential needs. It’s also vital there is alignment between the areas allocated for these respective areas."

One of EMA’s most significant concerns is around having transport links in place to enable residents to get to and from work.

"We are certainly for intensification where there is supporting infrastructure and services. However, it seems short-sighted to allow one to happen without the other. Why triple density in some suburbs if all that does is add to already congested arterial roads and there is no solution in sight?

"We firmly believe that serious consideration needs to be given to progressing public private partnerships as a way of funding Auckland’s much needed infrastructure development to help resolve some the issues raised from today’s announcement," says Mr Campbell.

ENDS

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