Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith is urging the Auckland Council to keep its Unitary Plan process on track, despite growing opposition to a boost in housing density proposals.
Photo: 123RF
The city's development rulebook is due to be signed off by the council shortly before October's local body elections, but some councillors and communities want a new round of public consultation.
Dr Smith said there needed to be a smooth transition from the Special Housing Area legislation, to what would be the new rulebook for higher density housing.
"I'll be encouraging a council to stay the course and to make sure that that Unitary Plan process is concluded in this term of council, the reason that's important is that the special housing area mechanism expires on the 16th of September."
Auckland's Unitary Plan will replace the 13 legacy regional and district plans of the eight former Auckland councils.
The plan will dictate everything from protecting the city's environment to the height of apartment buildings in suburbs.
