As local consultants, we are pleased to see the Taupō District Council (TDC) is progressing with housing friendly plan changes.
Amalgamation is coming, and the big picture of local government organisation is on the brink of big change. However one thing is certain, the nuts and bolts of a district plan will be here to stay for the short term while we all transition to the two new acts before parliament.
The Planning Act and Natural Environment Act will initially draw on the existing Taupō District Plan, and TDC has pushed through the Plan Stop process to get four plan changes to the notification stage in the past few months.
Plan Changes 44-49 focus on residential intensification, recognising the value of local shops, and providing for marae redevelopments in the rural zone. The changes help bring Taupō into alignment with National Planning Standards for consistency between districts.
One of the key changes is the introduction of planning rules specifically to support comprehensive housing development. This provides a simplified pathway to construct 4 or more units or houses on adjoining titles.
Being able to walk to the local shops is a sign of urban design in action. Plan Change 45 sees the introduction of a specific zone for local shops located in residential areas. These shops now have their own zone (instead of being an overlay) called Neighbourhood Centre Zone.
In a win for marae in rural areas, the new Māori Purpose Zone provides a pathway for upgrades or new builds with less consenting involved. Marae located on general land in the rural zone has traditionally knocked against the rural zone provisions and the plan change provides for this.
Planning consultant from BTW’s Taupō office, Rachel Canning, talks to Jesse Archer on LakeFM.
For planning advice in the Taupō District, call into our office at 55 Kaimanawa St, or email [email protected]
