Planning changes to support Wellington’s growth

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed a package of changes to Wellington’s district plan following an investigation into heritage planning provisions affecting five key sites.

The changes follow an investigation under the Resource Management Act 1991 into planning provisions affecting five Wellington sites, public consultation, consideration of Wellington City Council’s response, and advice on the heritage and economic implications of the options.

Following an investigation and consultation process, the Government will progress changes affecting the Courtenay Place Heritage Area, the Karori Tunnel, the Kelburn Viaduct and the Miramar oil tank.

Cabinet has also decided that the heritage listing for the former General Headquarters Building at 213A Taranaki Street will remain in place.

The changes will remove the heritage listings from the Karori Tunnel, Kelburn Viaduct and the former Miramar Installation Bulk Storage Tank. Height limits applying to non-heritage buildings within the Courtenay Place Heritage Area will also be modified to better enable development.

Notes

• The Resource Management Act 1991 (the RMA) allows the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform to modify or remove plan provisions that are negatively affecting economic growth, development capacity or employment.

• The Government intends to implement the changes through regulations under sections 360I to 360O of the RMA.

• Regulations will be submitted to Cabinet before being considered by the Executive Council.