As widely reported in national media, and advised on our web-site news page on July 27, the Auckland Council has published the Independent Hearings Panel’s final recommendations on the proposed Auckland Unitary Plan.
The Council has now to decide whether to accept or reject these recommendations. Decisions will be made by the council in meetings open to the public from 10 to 18 August, with the decisions publicly notified on 19 August.
The Auckland Unitary Plan is to be the future Planning Rule-book for all of Auckland, covering pretty much everything about what, where and how you can build in Auckland. It has far-reaching implications for Remuera. For a very simple guide to the proposed Unitary Plan, click here.
The Panel has provided the Council with maps which represent its recommendations. To view what these recommendations may mean for Remuera and your own property, click here.
The latest Unitary Plan is very different from earlier versions. You’ll find the version proposed in September 2013 here. Compare the housing densities proposed then – and now.
Implemented as proposed, the Unitary Plan will change the face of Remuera. As in the rest of the Isthmus, there has been wholesale removal of single house zoning from our suburb. Over 60% of Remuera’s residential zoning will now fall into the mixed residential suburban category. And although planning rules related to height and distance to boundary will remain, it is recommended that restrictions on pre-1944 housing be removed – along with cultural assessments, design statements and integrated transport assessments as standard resource consent requirements. Increased housing and population density and changed suburban character will inevitably result.
The character of Remuera’s shopping precinct is changing too. Redevelopment of the building at 411-413 Remuera Rd has begun, where a three-floor building will rise behind the existing facade. And redevelopment plans are also mooted for the building behind Remuera Post Office and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau building in Victoria Avenue.
For more information on these developments – and to share your views – attend our AGM and Open Forum Discussion on 30 August. For details see here.