Direction set for Auckland’s new housing plan

The Government has formally confirmed the Streamlined Planning Process that will be used for Auckland Council’s new housing plan, known as Plan Change 120 (PC120).

Auckland Council has now formally withdrawn Plan PC78 and upon the Council’s request, responsible Ministers have now issued formal direction to the Council to enter the Streamlined Planning Process for PC120.

As requested by Auckland Council, PC120 will proceed through a 20-month process (an increase from the 18 months initially signalled).

Note:

• On 24 September Auckland Council voted to withdraw Plan Change 78 and replace it with Plan Change 120.

• Under the Resource Management Act, PC 120 must amend the Auckland Unitary Plan to provide at least as much housing capacity as PC78, enable greater density around key stations benefitting from CRL investment, and give effect to the intensification policies of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD).

• A direction is required because the Council is using the Streamlined Planning Process for an Auckland Housing Planning Instrument. A direction is secondary legislation and takes effect from the date of Gazettal.

• Ministers consulted with the Auckland Council on the draft direction before issuing it.