An Area Plan is a broadly focused planning document that takes a long-term view of a particular area and takes into account the local community's preferences on how it should or should not be developed. Area Planning is the process the Council is using to prepare options for the future use and development of land at the edge of the urban area and outlying settlements.
Area Plans are a means of meeting a variety of the Council's strategic objectives for the city and improving environmental, social and economic sustainability. They are most commonly prepared for areas on the fringes of the city where urban growth is a possibility, but are also a useful tool in the context of smaller rural communities. An Area Plan enables the best possible integration of Council services and other infrastructure associated with land use change.
Area plan recommendations are usually implemented via changes to the zoning and rules applicable to the land and/or non-regulatory methods, such as public land acquisition, the capital works programme and design guidance.
Purpose of an Area Plan
- Identify future land use options.
- Facilitate integrated planning of Council managed services.
- Provide a framework assessing development contributions.
- Anticipate and budget for future requirements for physical and social infrastructure.
- Identify areas where land needs to be acquired.
Their overriding purpose is to promote sustainable development.
Role in the organisation
Area Plans are:
- A crucial planning tool for the organisation as a whole.
- Important in communicating with developers and the community.
- A means of securing the commitment of elected members and staff across many Council units.
Priority areas
Area | Priority |
South-West Christchurch | 1 |
Belfast | 1 |
Akaroa Harbour Basin Settlement Study | 1 |
Memorial-Russley-Hawthornden | 1 |
Styx-Harewood | 1 |
South Waimakariri (Clearwater) | 2 |
Yaldhurst | 2 |
Mairehau-Cranford | 2 |
Burwood | 3 |
Brooklands | 3 |
Heathcote Valley | 3 |
Port Hills East | 3 |
Port Hills West | 3 |
Islington | 3 |
A recent addition to the program has been the Akaroa Harbour Basin Settlement Study.
Timeframe
Area Plans may take one to two years to develop or longer depending on factors such as gathering of technical information and references to the Environment Court, amongst others.
