Wednesday 27 November 2013

Council to discuss Land Use Recovery Plan

Christchurch City Council has worked closely with the Government over the past week to develop a position on the Draft Land Use Recovery Plan (LURP) acceptable to both parties, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel says.

The Council will consider a revised draft Land Use Recovery Plan at its meeting tomorrow.

The preparation of the draft LURP has been led by Environment Canterbury in collaboration with its statutory partners – Christchurch City Council, the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, the New Zealand Transport Agency, Ngai Tahu, Waimakariri and Selwyn District Councils.

While the draft LURP hasn’t changed much since it was endorsed by the previous Council, it now contains specific areas for applying the new “design-led” comprehensive development mechanism immediately.

“At last week’s Council meeting I took advantage of the legal issue that arose to take the time to resolve what those areas were. Our decision will enable some developments to get underway now, while allowing time to engage with the wider community about a more substantial review of our District Plan

“Given the Government’s desire to implement the new comprehensive development mechanism across the city, I was really grateful that the Minister was willing to work with the Council in a constructive and collaborative way,” Ms Dalziel says.

“It has been a case of give and take on both sides. For councillors, the need to keep residents fully engaged in Plan Changes remains a priority. However they accept that there are urgent changes that are needed to support recovery.

“We will fully engage residents about future changes as part of our District Plan Review which will see intensification within the city, while ensuring good urban design preserves the character of neighbourhoods.

“I believe the people of Christchurch want us to work with the Government and this is evidence of a fresh start.”

ENDS

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