RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed a package of changes to Wellington’s district plan following an investigation into heritage planning provisions affecting five key sites.
“The Government is focused on removing planning barriers that unnecessarily constrain investment, housing and jobs,” Mr Bishop says.
The changes follow an investigation under the Resource Management Act 1991 into planning provisions affecting five Wellington sites, public consultation, consideration of Wellington City Council’s response, and advice on the heritage and economic implications of the options.
“Following an investigation and consultation process, the Government will progress changes affecting the Courtenay Place Heritage Area, the Karori Tunnel, the Kelburn Viaduct and the Miramar oil tank.
“Cabinet has also decided that the heritage listing for the former General Headquarters Building at 213A Taranaki Street will remain in place.
“The changes will remove the heritage listings from the Karori Tunnel, Kelburn Viaduct and the former Miramar Installation Bulk Storage Tank. Height limits applying to non-heritage buildings within the Courtenay Place Heritage Area will also be modified to better enable development.
“Economic advice commissioned for the investigation found that modifying the controls applying to non-heritage buildings in the Courtenay Place Heritage Area could enable an estimated 550 additional apartments.
“The advice also estimated that the additional construction activity in the Courtenay Place Heritage Area could generate around $200 million and support approximately 1,100 jobs.
“Removing the heritage listing from the Miramar oil tank is anticipated to enable commercial activities, including film studio facilities, estimated to accommodate around 300 jobs.
“The investigation also considered the growing cost of maintaining the Karori Tunnel and Kelburn Viaduct. Their combined annual maintenance costs have increased from approximately $350,000 to around $2.5 million, with some of that increase associated with requirements arising from their heritage listings.
“I acknowledge the strength of public interest in Wellington’s heritage. The consultation received 162 submissions, and views differed considerably across the five sites.
“Wellington City Council provided a formal response supporting all the recommendations in the investigation report. I have considered the Council’s response alongside submissions, heritage evidence and the identified economic impacts.
“Wellington needs planning rules that support investment, more housing and productive use of land and infrastructure,” Mr Bishop says.
Notes to editors
The Resource Management Act 1991 (the RMA) allows the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform to modify or remove plan provisions that are negatively affecting economic growth, development capacity or employment.
The Government intends to implement the changes through regulations under sections 360I to 360O of the RMA.
Regulations will be submitted to Cabinet before being considered by the Executive Council.