Voice of next generation not heard as Unitary Plan notified

Tuesday, 10 September 2013, 5:21 pm
Press Release: Generation Zero

Press Release: Voice of next generation not heard as Unitary Plan notified

Youth organisation, Generation Zero, is disappointed that Councillors have restricted future housing choices for the next generation when they voted today to notify the Unitary Plan for formal submission.

Spokesperson for Generation Zero, Dr Sudhvir Singh; “The Unitary Plan is a missed opportunity. The process to-date has been dominated by scaremongering about density by some Councillors seeking short term political gain, compromising the future of our city by giving license to large amounts of urban sprawl.”

Over the next 30 years, couples without children and one person households will be the most rapidly growing household type in Auckland. Dr Singh; “The Unitary Plan is a 30 year document and and it should have reflected Auckland’s changing trends, particularly the transition to smaller households, and young families seeking a range of housing and transport choices.”

Last week the Council passed several amendments that restricted density, including an amendment that enables only one dwelling per 200m² in the mixed housing suburban zone which covers 40 percent of Auckland. Dr Singh; “Instead of moving Auckland towards a quality compact city, we’ve chosen to impose overly harsh restrictions on density and height which forces urban sprawl. This will in turn drive higher rates, more traffic congestion, reduced housing choices and increased carbon pollution.”

“Young people are calling for density done well, enabling more housing choices in areas where we work and study. Instead of focussing on height and minimum sizes, Councillors should have focussed on quality, and ensured that the Plan enabled a balanced approach to density which would have helped Auckland overcome the major challenges of housing affordability and climate change” says Dr Singh.

ENDS

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