23 Jun 2016

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Christchurch City Council is looking at fast-tracking the rezoning of up to 50 hectares of rural land in Papanui to allow for more housing development.

It is considering working with Regenerate Christchurch on a plan for the land and possibly using the provisions of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act to speed-up its development.

The land sits at the upper end of the western side of Cranford St, close to Northlands Mall.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel said the Council had undertaken detailed investigations that showed most of the land was suitable for residential development but it could take years to have it re-zoned if it had to go through the normal legislative hoops.

The Council was hoping the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act could be used to fast-track the process and had instructed Chief Executive Karleen Edwards to investigate what steps needed to be taken to allow that to happen.

Council Head of Planning and Strategic Transport Richard Osborne said the land in question was not currently within Christchurch’s urban limits.

It had not been considered for rezoning before now because there had been unresolved issues around the stormwater basin and the Northern Arterial Extension. However with those matters now resolved, the Council could review the zoning and consider alternative uses for the land, Mr Osborne said.

The land lies on the fringe of the Basin, outside of the areas required for the Northern Arterial Extension and stormwater detention.

The Council is also looking at getting Regenerate Christchurch to develop a regeneration plan for the estuary side of Southshore, including the area north of Bridge St.

Many submissions on the draft Annual Plan raised concerns about land damage in the area following the earthquakes, the need for flood mitigation and damage to facilities such as the estuary walkway.

“As a Council we recognise the need for flood plain and estuary edge management in Southshore and South Brighton as the earthquakes have had a significant impact on this complex and dynamic environment,’’ Mayor Dalziel said.

“This is the perfect opportunity to step up and take full advantage of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act 2016 as we have the ability to fast-track changes in a way that takes the community with us.’’