Christchurch residents can now have their say on proposed changes to the city’s planning rules that will allow more intensive development to meet future growth.

Public transport infrastructure work will be accelerated following a $78 million funding injection.

The Associate Minister for the Environment Phil Twyford has written to Mayor Phil Mauger in response to Christchurch City Council’s request for a bespoke approach to housing intensification rules in Christchurch.

The Government’s third tranche of the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF) will enable around 16,600 new homes to be built across New Zealand, including approximately 1400 in Christchurch.

A section of Cranford Street south of the Christchurch Northern Corridor (CNC) will be upgraded with new median islands, a footpath and kerb and channel.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel has written to the Environment Minister asking for a bespoke approach to housing intensification provisions in Christchurch.

Christchurch’s planning rules will change significantly this month as District Plan changes enabling more housing and development in the city come into effect to comply with government direction.

Significant changes to Christchurch’s planning rules, set to come into effect in August, are being pushed back a month due to the impacts of Covid-19 and winter sickness.