Boom lowered on recalcitrant council

Christchurch-based barrister and mediator John Hardie will start work on Monday to “understand the issues with housing intensification and explore a way forward so the council complies with the law”. 

Hardie’s initial work will be with council and government officials to draw up a project plan before interviews with staff and councillors is started as well as seeking Ngai Tahu’s views and running workshops.

Twyford says although the Government is disappointed with the decision made by the previous council not to notify a plan change incorporating the medium density residential standards (MDRS), it is committed to working with the new mayor and councillors to find a path to deliver increasing housing supply and affordability.

It is believed 400 planned homes in the city have been stuck in limbo because of the stand-off over the new planning provisions.