737 days ago

Council requests a pause to controversial housing density plans

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The future of Christchurch’s housing intensification plan now sits with the new environment minister.

The Christchurch City Council decided on Wednesday to ask Environment Minister Penny Simmonds to pause the $4.2 million independent hearings process, which is considering housing density rules imposed by the former Government.
Due to existing laws the council can not make the decision itself.

The intensification plan being considered allows three residential buildings of three storeys each to be built, without a resource consent, across vast parts of the city. It also allows for higher limits in main suburban centres.

The plan, which has garnered strong opposition from residents’ groups, provides enough space for housing for the next 150 years.
But the new Government has said it would make the density standards optional for councils.

Read the full story from reporter Tina Law here (subscription required).

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More messages from your neighbours
7 days ago

Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.

We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?

Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.

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Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
  • 90.4% Yes
    90.4% Complete
  • 9.6% No
    9.6% Complete
94 votes
12 hours ago

Poll: How do you feel about outdoor murals?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🌟 Something big and colourful has arrived on Manchester Street!
A brand-new five-storey mural has just gone up — the first of many outdoor artworks set to appear around Christchurch in the lead-up to February’s climate art festival.

We want to know: How do you feel about outdoor art?

Interested in the new works that will decorate the Garden City? The Press has you covered.

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How do you feel about outdoor murals?
  • 85.7% All for it! They make our spaces interesting
    85.7% Complete
  • 14.3% Nah - not for me
    14.3% Complete
21 votes
4 days ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 73.4% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    73.4% Complete
  • 15.8% Hmm, maybe?
    15.8% Complete
  • 10.8% Yes!
    10.8% Complete
741 votes