'Sensible' or 'unpopular' - Auckland's housing intensification compromise
Auckland councillors have approved a compromise plan allowing for buildings up to 15 storeys near transport hubs to address housing growth. The decision follows years of debate over urban density and the preservation of historic character homes.
Why it matters
This decision represents a significant shift in urban planning policy for a major city struggling with population growth and housing affordability.
* This story has been updated to clarify the public will have a chance to have their say on Plan Change 120 in the coming months.
In an act of compromise pretty much no-one is completely happy with, Auckland councillors voted in favour of allowing buildings of up to 15 storeys near transport hubs in central suburbs, and up to six storeys outside a 10-kilometre radius of the CBD.
Plan Change 120 has for five years incited passionate debate about the future of Auckland's skyline, eliciting over 10,000 submissions to local boards and iwi authorities across the city.
On Tuesday, the plan at last got sign off, meaning taller buildings would be allowed within walking distance from transport hubs, the CBD and other metropolitan centres.
Buildings up to 15 storeys high could go up in inner-Auckland suburbs like Kingsland, Mt Eden and Morningside.
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