A waterfront lobby group says Wellington City Council is seeking to silence public opposition to future developments.
The council is seeking feedback on construction rules for proposed sites north of Queens Wharf.
Three building proposals may be granted resource consents without public notification if they meet height and design requirements.
However, Waterfront Watch says that gives too much unchallenged authority to council officers.
The lobby group claims proposed changes to the District Plan have come about because of two cases it took to the Environment Court.
Urban development leader for the council Andy Foster says the change has been suggested to give statutory effect to waterfront policy.