Horizons is initiating a change to the Regional Policy Statement in the One Plan to meet the requirements of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020 (NPS-UD).
The NPS-UD is intended to improve the responsiveness and competitiveness of land and development markets so that it is easier for people to live in the homes they want, where they want. It requires Horizons to include the following in its Regional Policy Statement:
The Plan Change will result in urban growth management provisions to address the compulsory requirements mentioned above. Additional provisions to best achieve the objectives of the NPS-UD will also be considered. As examples, provisions could be included to:
The NPS-UD also requires local authorities to ensure there is sufficient housing and business land development capacity to meet demand. For urban areas with populations that are greater than 10,000 people this includes a requirement to monitor development capacity. As a larger city categorised as ‘Tier 2’ under the NPS-UD, reports also have to be prepared to assess future housing and business development capacity for Palmerston North. Reports are available to view on Palmerston North City Council’s website.
Drafting of changes will be occurring from November 2021 and the Plan Change will be notified around July or August 2022.
For more information and to provide feedback regarding provisions that could be included in the Plan Change please contact oneplan@horizons.govt.nz.