Residents' vision of Christchurch should not be lost

The establishment of the Central Christchurch Development Unit as a response to the Christchurch City Council's draft Central City Plan risks overshadowing the work of the Council and the city's residents, the Green Party said today.

"Christchurch's central city is for all Cantabrians, not only those with a business interest, and it's vital that this is considered at all stages of the reconstruction process," said Green Party Christchurch earthquake spokesperson Eugenie Sage.

"Over 100,000 residents contributed to the development of the Council's draft Central City Plan and it's essential that their vision for the future of the central city is not lost.

"Working with business and property owners is important but this should not take precedence over the wider vision for the city.

"What is cheapest and quickest for commercial property owners will not necessarily create an attractive, enduring and sustainable city that is a pleasant place to work, live and play in.

"Christchurch City Council's draft Central City Plan recognised the strong public support for a more sustainable and attractive central city.

"Transport is an important part of good urban design but the Government, by excluding transport from consideration, puts the implementation of the rest of the vision at risk.

"The Council's innovative and wide-ranging 'Share an Idea' consultation process showed that the public want a city which relies on good urban design, including a greener city with better public transport.

"Weakening planning rules and streamlining the consent process will not encourage attractive and enduring buildings and interesting streetscapes, or safeguard amenities such as views of the Port Hills," said Ms Sage.