The former Auckland city and Manukau city councils’ urban design panels should be expanded as a single independent design panel covering the new Auckland Council region, the Unitary Plan and Urban Design Forum has recommended.

The council would fund the full cost, estimated at $350,000 a year, for at least three years.

The existing panels of approximately 40 experts would be amalgamated and gaps in membership identified.

“The Auckland and Manukau panels have both made a major contribution in lifting urban design standards,” said forum chairperson Councillor Cameron Brewer. “The forum is keen to see the concept expanded across the entire Auckland region. We’re confident the full council will accept our recommendation and the public will view this as an early win for urban design.”

The panel would provide an independent peer review and advice service to the design and development industry and the council, supplementing the internal urban design advice given by the council’s built environment unit.

The recommendation will go to the full council meeting on 16 December for ratification.

ENDS

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