September 19th, 2024

Government approves streamlined planning process for Queenstown housing development

The proposed variation will encourage the creation of the types of housing currently in short supply in the Whakatipu basin, namely housing suitable for older households, smaller households, and lower and lower-middle income households.
The proposed variation will encourage the creation of the types of housing currently in short supply in the Whakatipu basin, namely housing suitable for older households, smaller households, and lower and lower-middle income households.

Queenstown’s pressing housing needs are one step closer to being addressed, as the New Zealand government approved an application by the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to streamline the planning process at Te Pūtahi Ladies Mile, it said in a media release on 29 March.

The move will allow the QLDC to use the Streamlined Planning Process (SPP) for a proposed variation that would rezone approximately 120 hectares from its existing rural and rural lifestyle zoning to enable integrated urban development.

QLDC Chief Executive Mike Theelen welcomed the decision by Minister for the Environment, Hon David Parker, and said that the proposed change to the District Plan could be progressed as swiftly as possible while still providing ample opportunity for community consultation. The move will enable a timely response to urban growth pressures in Queenstown Lakes District and is proportionate to the complexity and significance of the planning issues, noted the Minister.

The proposed variation will encourage the creation of the types of housing currently in short supply in the Whakatipu basin, namely housing suitable for older households, smaller households, and lower and lower-middle income households. Mr Theelen added that the Council’s goal is to build a thriving, mixed community that can help the district grow in the right way, reflecting the diversity of residents needed to support economic growth without negatively impacting the environment.

The Minister’s decision is due to be gazetted on Thursday 30 March, and the variation will be notified towards the end of April. The community will then have 30 working days to make a submission.