Regional Policy Statement amendment

The Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery, Gerry Brownlee, has announced that the operative Canterbury Regional Policy Statement (RPS) is to be amended.

The amendment adds Proposed Change 1 into the operative RPS as a new chapter, Chapter 12A. Proposed Change 1 itself will then be officially revoked.

The announcement will enable greater certainty and efficiency around the development of land in the areas covered by the new Chapter 12A, particularly for housing. It will assist in providing for short-term demand including relocation, as well as forming the basis of a long-term strategy.

Dame Margaret Bazley, Chair of Environment Canterbury’s Commissioners, says that Environment Canterbury is supportive of the approach currently being progressed. “It is important that we all achieve the best outcome for Greater Christchurch. The difficult circumstances of the past year have demanded flexible yet rigorous thinking around land-use planning for the future.

“We look forward to working closely with the Minister, with CERA, and with our Urban Development Strategy partners in the continued rebuild of Greater Christchurch.”

For more information: Jill Atkinson, Environment Canterbury Director Strategy and Programmes 027 490 1886 jill.atkinson@ecan.govt.nz or www.cera.govt.nz.

Background: UDS and RPS

Environment Canterbury is a strategic partner with regard to the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy (UDS). The UDS is a collaborative partnership between the Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury, the District Councils of Selwyn and Waimakariri, and the NZ Transport Agency, to manage growth and development in the Greater Christchurch area, including the location of future housing, development of social and retail activity centres, areas for new employment and integration with transport networks.

Environment Canterbury has statutory responsibility for the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement, which sets the framework for resource management in Canterbury. It provides an overview of the significant resource management issues facing the region, and sets out objectives, policies and methods to address the region’s resource management issues. Its goal is the integrated management of the region’s natural and physical resources.