Christchurch City Council members convened on 18 September 2019 to make key decisions regarding provisions of Plan Change 14, specifically related to parts of the City Centre Zone. The focus of the meeting included building height regulations, qualifying matters, and the delisting of selected heritage sites.
The following provisions of Plan Change 14 for sites within the City Centre Zone are now operative:
- Building heights up to 28m is permitted. This is subject to the building design complying with the relevant controls.
- Building heights between 28m and 45 will require resource consent as a controlled or restricted discretionary activity. The building design will be subject to controls. If the building meets the design controls, Council will not be able to able to decline a resource consent application.
- Buildings over 45m will be subject to design matters. The council will have the authority to decline a resource consent for a building exceeding 45m.
- No maximum height has been set for buildings.
The Council has accepted the Independent Hearings Panel (IHP) recommendations concerning several qualifying matters within the City Centre Zone. These include the Avon River Precinct (Te Papa Ōtākaro) Zone, Open Space Community Parks, waterbody setbacks, and the protection of heritage items and settings (mapping only), and significant trees. The decision applies to all relevant provisions within the City Centre Zone.
Additionally, the Council agreed to the IHP’s recommendations on some specific heritage items and settings. This includes changing the location of the listing for the Citizens’ War Memorial within Cathedral Square and removing protection from the District Plan for several heritage sites. These sites include 471 Ferry Road, Harley Chambers at 137 Cambridge Terrace, and St James’ Church at 65 Riccarton Road, among others.
It is expected that the Council will systematically make the provisions of Plan Change 14 operative over the next year and a half.
Provisions that allow for greater heights and densities in and around central city, and commercial centres as required by policies 3 and 4 of the National Policy Statement for Urban Development, are expected to become operative by 20 December 2024.
Decisions with regards to the remaining provisions of Plan Change 14 is expected to become Operative at the end of 2025.
If you have any questions or need assistance navigating the changes introduced by Plan Change 14, our planning team is here to help. Whether you’re looking for guidance on building height regulations, resource consents, or how these changes might impact your property, feel free to reach out to us for expert advice. We are committed to helping you understand and comply with the new provisions.
If you would like to catch up for a discussion, please contact Jitske van den Heever on 027 378 0116 / jitske@grahamsurveying.co.nz or Liz Stewart on 027 328 7145 / liz@grahamsurveying.co.nz.