Housing intensification proposal challenged by submitters
A Christchurch engineering lecturer says the city council’s proposed changes to the district plan includes a “manufactured” reason to stop developers from building higher density housing.
Tom Logan, a senior lecturer in civil systems engineering at the University of Canterbury, is one of about 1000 people and organisations who have told the city council their views on Plan Change 14 (PC14), which aims to increase housing availability and affordability by cutting red tape.
A final round of submissions closed on Monday, with an independent hearings panel set to begin in October.
The plan change was triggered by new medium density rules set by central government in 2021, which called on large cities like Christchurch to allow up to three homes of three storeys each on most sections across the city.
Read the full story by reporter Sinead Gill here (subscription required).
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Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.3% Yes, it's fair
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9.8% No, it's unreasonable
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
House fire causing road closures
Pages Road is closed this afternoon from Breezes Road, this is due to a house that has caught fire in the area.
Coastal Ward Community Board member, Alex Hewison, shared the closure on a local Facebook page.
Fire and Emergency are at the scene but further details have not been shared at this stage.
Avoid the area where possible.