INDEPENDENT NEWS

Public Encouraged To Give Views On District Plan Review

Published: Fri 31 Aug 2012 04:13 PM
Public Encouraged To Give Their Views On District Plan Review
Dunedin (Friday 31 August) – Whether it’s a large-scale development or putting up a garage, the planning rules that shape Dunedin are under scrutiny.
The Dunedin City Council has been reviewing its District Plan and is now ready to seek early feedback on the initial set of issues and options.
The whole review process will lead to the development of the second generation District Plan. It is the first time a new District Plan has been prepared since the current plan was first introduced in 1995.
DCC General Manager City Strategy and Development Dr Sue Bidrose says “We know there are a lot of issues with the current District Plan and this is an exciting opportunity to address those and develop a plan based on a high level strategic vision for the city, as recently consulted on as part of the Spatial Plan. We welcome the input of people in the community and are actively working with key stakeholders and listening to their concerns.”
The new District Plan would play a critical role in delivering key elements of the city’s new Economic Development Strategy.
DCC City Development Manager Dr Anna Johnson says the Spatial Plan, which is being presented to the Council for adoption on 17 September, has been used as a testing ground for many of the ‘big picture’ policy directions and ideas which will be considered for the second generation District Plan.
“The feedback on that process was really useful and it has given us a clear direction on what type of city the people of Dunedin want and how that needs to be translated into a second generation District Plan,” Dr Johnson says.
The “issues and options” consultation phase of the District Plan review is an informal feedback process scheduled to start on 15 October. This consultation phase is targeted at key stakeholders such as property developers, social housing providers, the business/industry sector and planning professionals, who regularly use the District Plan and understand its strengths and weaknesses. However, general information will be available for people who just want to know what might change in terms of what they and their neighbours can do in their backyards.
Dr Johnson says the DCC wants to hear from people about issues which may not have been identified yet, feedback on the options identified and any new options to address those issues.
“We are working hard to put in place a District Plan that will address a wide range of issues and provide certainty on how Dunedin will develop into the future.”
On Tuesday the DCC’s Planning and Environment Committee will discuss proposed key elements of the consultation process. These include letters/emails to key stakeholders, a special web page with information on the issues, open days with DCC planners, discussion workshops and one-on-one meetings with specific organisations or groups.
One example of a key issue, already identified through the Spatial Plan, is the need to rezone the southern area of the central city, known as the “Warehouse Precinct” as a mixed-use area. Another example is making it easier for people to provide a broad range of housing options, such as through support for well-designed multi-unit housing or ‘granny flats’ in appropriate locations.
ENDS

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