Plan Change 120: Housing Intensification continues with tight timeframes

Scenario A and B

🏘️PC120 housing intensification update

On Tuesday 9 June, the Policy, Planning, and Development Committee of Auckland Council voted to ask local boards and iwi for feedback on two options for potential amendments to Plan Change 120. This in response to the reduced minimum housing capacity requirement of 1.4 million dwellings (previously 2 million).

I've attached a slide from the presentation used at that meeting, which shows the two options next to each other. The large white areas (most of Auckland) are areas with no proposed zoning changes (i.e. they remain status quo). I understand that Scenario A effected 10% of Auckland, while Scenario B is slightly more at 13%.

You can find the agenda, minutes, and a recording of the Policy, Planning, and Development Committee here: https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/Meeting/13533/94410?type=1&docId=31651

We were due to have a special elected members briefing tomorrow (Friday 12 June) where local board members would have our first opportunity to learn more about the proposals and ask questions. However, because the Committee has asked for feedback on two options, staff need more time and the briefing will happen next Friday 19 June. Once we've had that briefing, we'll (hopefully) know more and I'll provide another update. I'm expecting better maps (including hopefully something interactive so we can zoom in).

The Howick Local Board is expecting to formalise our feedback at our next meeting on 25 June. This is less than a week after our briefing, which is an incredibly short timeframe for a complex issue that Councillors have spent months discussing, and already an important meeting (with lots on the agenda).

I know local residents want to know more and to understand how they can provide input into the process. I've asked what opportunities there might be before we provide our feedback, which will be challenging given the tight timeline.

The Policy, Planning, and Development Committee will be considering all local board and iwi feedback in late July, before the public is invited to make submissions (likely to be notified in August).