Is QLDC’s housing intensification plan the right move?

Home News & Views Is QLDC’s housing intensification plan the right move?

The Variation seeks to enable greater development both upwards and outwards and could disrupt views and amenity values for some landowners. An increase in townhouse and apartment typologies may also change the nature and character of existing suburbs and neighbourhoods. The Variation may be beneficial if you have development aspirations, but equally detrimental if a neighbour wishes to develop their property to the intensity enabled.

Where is rezoning proposed?

There is a significant area of land proposed to be up-zoned including within walking distance of the Queenstown and Wanaka Town Centres, along the northern side of Frankton Road and some areas of Frankton.

Where changes in heights are proposed?

Across the urban zones, height limits are proposed to be increased as follows:

by up to 1m in the Lower Density Suburban Residential Zones (to a total of 8m)(for example most of the land in Kelvin Peninsula, large parts of Frankton and Wanaka);
by 5m in the Medium Density Residential Zone, including in Arrowtown (to a total of 12m);
by up to 9.5m in the High Density Residential Zone (to a total of 16.5m) (occupied by areas on the fringes of the town centres);
Provision is made for increased height limits in the Town Centres – for example up to 24m (from the current 12-14m) and areas close to the lake shore up to 20m. All of these changes have the potential to adversely affect access to sunlight and outlook. Buildings to this height are also likely to have a greater sense of dominance.

What are some of the key concerns?

1️⃣ Infrastructure Strain: With increased housing density, there may be pressure on existing infrastructure like roads, three waters, and public services. This could lead to potential congestion and strains on resources.

2️⃣ Aesthetic and Cultural Impact: Many cherish the unique character and beauty of our district. Intensification may alter the visual landscape and potentially impact cultural heritage sites.

3️⃣ Affordability and Accessibility: Intensification may not necessarily translate to more affordable options, or to residential housing at all, particularly in and around the town centres where visitor accommodation is enabled.

4️⃣ Community Engagement: Driven by central government and a “one size fits all approach” there is an overwhelming feeling the plan formulation and decision-making process has not adequately involved important community input and significantly, outcomes lack specific community aspirations.

We can help

If you have any questions about the Variation, please contact our specialist environmental law team.

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