Council seeks feedback on proposed changes to rules on height and bulk of buildings

7 November 2006

Public feedback is being sought on Christchurch City Council’s investigation into changing City Plan rules dealing with the height and setback of buildings in the Business 4 and Retail Park zones.

This follows a case highlighted in Ferrymead where a proposed 14-storey building – later reduced to seven storeys - was proposed in the Business 4 Zone. Under existing rules both proposals meet the existing Business 4 rules, which have no height standard.

The Ferrymead case highlighted to Council a need to investigate whether a height limit was necessary and whether the setback should be increased for buildings in the Business 4 and Retail Park zones from adjoining non business zones, citywide. Public consultation opened on 24 October and will close 8 December.

The Council’s consultant planners from Boffa Miskell Limited have suggested that a new height rule be introduced but that features such as chimney stacks, lift shafts, plant rooms, water tanks, air conditioning units, ventilation shafts and antennae are allowed to exceed this standard.

The new suggested standards for Ferrymead Business 4 and Retail Park are:

1. Permitted (can be built as of right) - up to 11 metres.

2. Discretionary Activity (i.e. resource consent is required for the height between 11m and 15m and Council would consider the environmental effects of this additional height) - up to 15 metres .

3. Non-complying activity (i.e. resource consent would be required for the height over 15m and the Council would consider the environmental effects and consistency with the objectives and policies of the City Plan) - over 15 metres.

4. It is suggested the building setback be increased from the existing 3m to 10m.

The new suggested standards for all other Business 4 and Retail Park zones are:

1. Permitted (can be built as of right) - up to 15 metres.

2. Discretionary Activity (i.e. resource consent is required for the height between 15m and 22m and Council would consider the environmental effects of this additional height) - up to 22 metres.

3. Non-complying activity (i.e. resource consent would be required for the height over 22m and the Council would consider the environmental effects and consistency with the objectives and policies of the City Plan) - over 22 metres.

4. It is suggested the building setback be increased from the existing 3m to 10m.

To give feedback on the suggested standards, click on the Have Your Say site then ‘Business 4 and Retail Park Zone – Review of Rules’ on the www.ccc.govt.nz homepage or attend one of two Open Days during which you can also gather information, see various displays or talk to Council staff and consultants working on the project. The Open Days are on:

• 9 November, from 4pm to 8pm, at Our City O-Tautahi; and
• 14 November, from 4pm to 8pm, at Our City O-Tautahi, corner of Worcester Boulevard and Oxford Terrace.

Following the close of the feedback period, comments received will be collated and recommendations made to the Council on whether to proceed with changes to the City Plan.

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