WCC reduces character areas, increases walking catchments for more houses

Examples of decisions today by for Minister Bishop’s consideration include:

· Increasing walking catchments to allow housing intensification – from Tawa in the north to Newtown in the south.

· Intensification of the Kilbirnie suburban centre to be first subject to community consultation.

· Classifying the Johnsonville railway line as ‘rapid transit’ – enabling housing developments of up to six storeys close to rail stations along the line’s route.

· Extending the central city zone south on Adelaide Rd toward Newtown and making bigger (15-minute) walking catchments, providing for more housing units.

· Reducing the city’s ‘character areas’ from 206 hectares to 85 hectares.

· Removing the heritage listings for the following buildings: Gordon Wilson Flats, the Miramar Gas Tank, Emeny House, Kahn House, Olympus Apartments, Wharenui Apartments, Robert Stout Building, Primitive Methodist Church, Johnsonville Masonic Hall, Star of the Sea Chapel.