Summary of Draft Unitary Plan feedback Business zones

The majority of comments received on the Business zones related to the Metropolitan Centre, Town Centre and Local Centre zones. Of this feedback, a significant number of comments expressed opposition to the maximum building heights for a specific centre, and many sought reduced heights. The common concern was that taller buildings would adversely affect the character and amenity of existing centres and/or that there would be insufficient infrastructure capacity to support a higher density of development. A summary of key points is below. For further detail see the full feedback report.

Metropolitan Centre zone Moderate level of support for this zone and intensification around these centres A significant amount of comments opposed the proposed height limit of 72.5 metres (18 storeys) and requested lower limits, ranging from under four to 12 storeys

Town Centre zone Some expressed support for this zone and intensification around these centres Respondents opposed height limits in some specific centres and most sought a reduction in the specified height limit Specific centres that received a significant amount of feedback included: o o o o Milford majority in opposition to 8 storeys due to effect of taller building on character, ability of existing infrastructure to support etc Orewa both support and opposition to intensification with some stating area has the capacity to accommodate growth, others thought it would compromise the areas character Onehunga concerned about height in relation to character of neighbourhood Helensville general support for increased development opportunities in the town centre through up-zoning and a number of requests received for amendments to objectives, policies and development controls

Local Centre zone Comments in support of the Local Centre zone generally related to specific sites Majority of opposition to the Local Centre zoning related to St Heliers opposed the extent of the zone and/or the maximum height limit and a large number requested that the height limit be reduced to either 8 metres or 9 metres High proportion of comments for Pt Chevalier - concern that comprehensive redevelopment of the area would be limited by the large number of individual landowners holding titles within the area.