On 8 May 2023, Property Council submitted on Christchurch City Council’s Plan Change 14.
Why it matters to our members
Property Council advocates for the creation and retention of a well-designed, functional and sustainable built environment. These policies will shape the future built environment of Christchurch for generations, influencing outcomes across the entire property sector eco-system. We firmly believe that it is important that the voice of the property sector is heard at the decision-making table.
Our view
In broad terms, we supported the overall direction of Plan Change 14. However, we were concerned about some of the unintended consequences after implementation. For example, additional costs such as wind test thresholds, and fees such as financial contributions for not reaching density limits, could result in unintended design outcomes and/or restrict or slow down future development.
At a high level, we recommended that Christchurch City Council:
- Increase the wind test threshold requirements to 22 metres to allow for a buffer to the proposed Plan Change rules of 20 metre minimum building heights; and
- Reconsider proposing financial contributions as an additional revenue source if density limits are not reached in greenfield development.