The Auckland Council Unitary Plan provided for intensification within already developed areas, and opportunities for new residential areas. The opportunity for 16 metre high apartment blocks with up to five, six or seven stories adjacent to the centre of Pukekohe has been provided for, as with many other existing residential areas in Auckland. This is known as the Residential – Terrace Housing and Apartment Building Zone. In Pukekohe, this zone is mainly on the West and North sides of the Town Centre, but many sites adjoin existing residential zones. Many residents and landowners would be surprised to learn what could be built in their neighbourhood.
This high density zone has been provided for near town centres and public transport networks, and is intended to make efficient use of land and infrastructure. The challenge lies in ensuring that such developments have high quality design elements and that the adverse effects on people and infrastructure are mitigated.
Our planning team in Auckland and Pukekohe is available to provide quality advice on these provisions, and how they impact on you or your neighbours.