Public to have say on noise standards and South Frame planning

Media Release – 13 June 2014

The public is being invited to give its views on proposed changes to noise standards in central Christchurch, and proposed planning rules relating to the city’s new South Frame.

Noise standards in Christchurch City Council’s City Plan – relating to noise under human control in private places such as amplified music – were altered to reflect the changing circumstances when the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan was introduced in 2012.

Christchurch Central Development Unit director Warwick Isaacs says there has been further consideration since then about what is needed in the central city to encourage the development of hospitality and nightlife.

“The proposal is for some minor changes to the day-time decibel limits allowed in certain areas of the central city, and some adjustment to the size of those areas and timings,” Mr Isaacs says.

“The night-time noise standards that are currently allowed will not change. We have been very mindful of the effect any change might make on those living and working in the central city. I think the proposed changes strike a good balance in providing a central city that is vibrant and liveable.”

The noise standards are enforced by the Christchurch City Council.

The South Frame, including the Innovation and Health Precincts, was outlined as a new feature of central Christchurch in the Recovery Plan – an area bringing together a mix of uses including business and education with quality public space and laneways.

“As the design concept for the South Frame has been refined, it became apparent that the underlying Central City Mixed Use and Central City Business zones in the City Plan for this area will not allow the vision for the South Frame to be achieved,” Mr Isaacs says.

“The proposed changes to the planning framework for the South Frame are intended to address this.”

The changes proposed to both noise standards and the South Frame planning framework can be viewed at www.ccdu.govt.nz/the-plan, or by visiting the offices of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, Level 8, HSBC Tower, 62 Worcester Boulevard, or public libraries or Christchurch City Council service centres.

Comment can be made online on the CCDU website, by emailing info@cera.govt.nz, or posted to ‘South Frame Planning Framework’, CERA, Private Bag 4999, Christchurch 8140. Comment on the proposed changes can be made up to 5pm on Saturday 12 July, 2014, and any comments received will be considered before any change is made.

Any changes that are approved, under the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011, will amend the Recovery Plan and direct that the required changes are made to the City Plan (being the District Plan under the Resource Management Act 1991).

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