The Plan Change 26 will enable significant intensification opportunities. This includes broad provisions for duplexes and terraced housing development, as well as more targeted provisions for apartment building focused on the Te Papa peninsula.
We strongly support the intent of the Plan Change as it would enable much needed intensification opportunities to accommodate significant population growth in Tauranga. The change is necessary step to solve the city’s current housing supply constraints, by enabling greater housing choice and residential density in existing urban areas.
Our concern, however, is that strict urban design rules may limit innovation, cause development lag and sometimes have the opposite effect than intended. A balanced approach should be taken to ensure innovation can occur to reach good design outcomes.