'Weaponising rates': Debate over plans to spur on vacant Christchurch landowner
From reporter Steven Walton:
Is it an illegal policy, or the perfect deterrent to land-bankers?
That was the clash of perspectives in the Christchurch City Council chamber on Wednesday, as developers and residents presented to councillors about its controversial proposal to significantly hike the rates of vacant central city land.
Prominent developers, including Richard Peebles, Philip Carter, Dean Marshall, and Ernest Duval, told city councillors on Wednesday they were going after the vacant land problem the wrong way. Carter claimed the proposal was illegal.
But, a central city neighbourhood association says the plan will stop land-bankers.
What is the proposal?
- From mid-2022, the council wants to more than double the differential on the “general” component of the rates bill for central city vacant landowners.
- If a site has consented use happening on it, for example a consented temporary car park, it would not be pinged.
- Only sites in the Central City Business Zone or the Central City Mixed Use (South Frame) Zone are part of the proposed hike.
- Sites that are “improved and maintained” in line with the council’s vacant sites improvement guide could apply for a rates remission. - Whether a site is complying will be decided by the council.
Read more here.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
-
81.9% Yes
-
15.3% No
-
2.7% Other - I'll share below
Cupboards of calm
Transform the inside of your humble storage spaces with Resene paint and you’ll be happy to delve into them in future.
Get our quick tips to transform your storage spaces.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Loading…
