10 May 2013

Mayor and Government agree joint action on housing

A new Housing Accord announced today by Auckland Mayor Len Brown and Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith will play an important role in tackling issues of housing affordability and supply in Auckland, says Len Brown.

The Housing Accord is subject to agreement by Auckland Council’s Governing Body.

It proposes a streamlined consenting process for new housing developments. This process will be subject to the rules of the notified Unitary Plan, which will reflect feedback now being gathered from Aucklanders in the current public engagement process.

“It’s right that government and the council work together to address the immediate housing challenges facing Auckland,” says Len Brown.

“This won’t solve all of our housing challenges, but it will ensure we work in a coordinated way with government to enable more pace around home building and create options for affordable homes.

“My bottom line has always been that an agreement with government on housing must be acceptable to Aucklanders, and consistent with the balanced approach in our Unitary Plan.

“We are still engaging with Aucklanders on the draft plan, and final shape will reflect what we have heard from them over 10 weeks of public engagement.”

“The streamlined consenting process we have agreed to, will apply both within and outside Auckland’s current urban limit and be subject to the rules of our new Unitary Plan once it is formally notified later this year.

“It’s also right that where we agree to streamline approval of housing developments, we expect developers to provide decent options for affordable housing and for first time buyers.

“This Accord ensures there will be clear requirements for affordable housing in new developments.

“The Accord covers a broad range of actions, including better coordination on delivery of infrastructure and an inquiry into building material and construction costs.

“Auckland can’t afford to repeat past mistakes, for the sake of easing short term pressures – that’s why I have worked hard to ensure this Accord operates within the framework of our long term plan for Auckland.

“I want to thank Dr Smith and his team for working constructively with my office to reach an agreement that meets our shared objectives of improving housing choice and affordability for Aucklanders.”

The streamlined consenting process outlined in the Accord can only take effect once the Council’s draft Unitary Plan is formally notified – expected to be September this year.

ENDS

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