Central city, District Plan  |  6h ago

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Work will continue on the Central City Noise plan change.

Yesterday the Minister Responsible for Resource Management Act Reform Chris Bishop granted Christchurch City Council approval to progress its Central City Noise (Plan Change 21). The Ministry for the Environment issued a 'plan stop notice' last July, which meant the Council needed to formally seek exemption from Minister Bishop to continue with the plan change.

The work aims to change the district’s planning rulebook to better manage noise in the central city, particularly when it comes to live music, entertainment activities, and areas where housing and business mix.

Mayor Phil Mauger thanked the Minister for approving the exemption. 

"It's fantastic to get this sign off from Minister Bishop given how important this work is to support our vibrant night-time economy," he said. 

"The city is on a roll, so District Plan rules need to compliment that." 

The key change the Council is looking at is allowing louder night-time noise in some areas, which already benefit from sound insulation and rules for noise sensitive activities such as housing, visitor accommodation, education and healthcare facilities. 

Head of Planning and Consents Mark Stevenson said the exemption approval provides Council staff clarity to finalise preparation of the plan change ahead of the formal process of inviting submissions and a hearing to follow.

“The city was a lot different to how it is today when the District Plan was created after the earthquakes 15 years ago. It’s changed a lot so we need to make sure that noise-related rules are fit-for-purpose when it comes to supporting a vibrant night-time economy, keeping up the appeal of different areas within the central city, and protecting activities that are sensitive to noise,” he said.

Staff will now finalise preparation of the plan change which incorporates engagement feedback. There will be a report to the Council for notification to start the formal part of the process expected in early autumn.

Find out more about this process here.