Higher-density housing signalled
It’ll soon be easier to build infill housing in Rotorua, as the Government has added it to the cities covered by rules aimed at getting more houses built.
‘‘The MDRS [medium density residential standards] means up to three homes of up to three storeys each will be able to be built on most residential sites without requiring a resource consent,’’ said Environment Minister David Parker.
‘‘This allows for a greater variety of housing close to jobs, transport and community facilities, the places people want to be.’’
Parker and Housing Minister Megan Woods said the move followed a request from Rotorua Lakes Council and its partners Te Arawa Lakes Trust and Te Tatau o Te Arawa.
In a statement on the changes, Woods and Parker noted housing supply has not kept up with the strong population increase seen in Rotorua, locking many out of affordable home ownership and rental properties.
‘‘The housing situation in Rotorua needs urgent attention, so we are delighted to see Rotorua Lakes Council proactively addressing its planning rules,’’ said Woods.
‘‘Including Rotorua Lakes Council under these regulations will significantly increase the number of houses that can be built in the city.’’
Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick described the change as ‘‘a welcome step as part of all the work under way to build
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Fitzroy more housing for Rotorua and remove some of the barriers that have been in the way’’.
‘‘The decision to seek Rotorua’s inclusion in this legislation was unanimously supported by our elected members who all recognise the acute housing needs in our district.’’
Some of the new rules which implement the MDRS will be in place from August 2022, while others which require more consideration under the National Policy Statement on Urban Development will come into effect in late 2023.
The Government has a partnership in Rotorua with the council, iwi and service providers to jointly coordinate work to alleviate the city’s housing shortage.
Other councils covered by the medium density residential standards include Auckland Council, Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council and Wellington City.