Creating Better Housing And Neighbourhoods

One of the last parts of the District Plan review is expected to draw a huge response from Palmerston North residents.

Draft Plan Change 20: Residential Zone is now out for consultation and policy planner Matthew Mackay says he is anticipating a lot of interest. “Housing impacts on everyone and businesses operating in residential zones are of interest to neighbours.”

Palmerston North is a growing city and council needs to review the provisions of the Residential Zone to ensure the design of houses and neighbourhoods meet the vision of the community and are sustainable in the long-term.

“We hope this work will enable us to future proof residential growth by allowing for the varying housing needs of our families, elderly, students and young professionals.

“We also want to provide certainty around the type of development we, as a community, believe is acceptable in our city, creating the kinds of neighbourhoods we all want to live in - places that are safe, secure, pedestrian friendly and attractive,” he says.

It is hoped proposed Plan Change 20 will also strike the right commercial / residential balance in our neighbourhoods.

In a bid to make the document easier to navigate three subject matters have been created:
• Housing Standards
• Housing Choice
• Working in the Suburbs

A series of fact sheets clarifying the proposed changes and featuring illustrations demonstrating the various proposals are available at pncc.govt.nz, keyword search consultations, or you can pick up a copy from Council’s front of house on The Square.

An open day is being held for interested residents at the Palmerston North Convention Centre on 9th October 2014 between 10am - 7pm.

Community groups wanting to know more can contact Matt to arrange for him or a colleague to speak to their group by calling 356 8199.

Feedback on the Proposed Plan Change will need to be submitted by the 24th of October. Once feedback is gathered, Council will prepare a formal District Plan Change, which will propose the actual amendments to the District Plan. This process involves two further rounds of submissions and a public hearing before any decision is made.

ENDS

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