Answers to common questions
What is the future planning framework?For Auckland to become a great city we need to be proactive in planning for future development. The future planning framework is a tool that will help us with our long-term planning.
There are three parts to the framework:
(Figure 1: Three-tiered approach of future planning framework)
Citywide spatial framework - this is a citywide overview of issues and opportunities creating a long-term spatial framework for the city.Area plans - the Auckland isthmus has been divided into 10 areas to consider issues like transport corridors, population, landscape, character, growth and ward boundaries at a community level.
Precinct plans are the next level of detail down from an area plan. They drill down on the six key moves in the future planning framework and look at how they specifically relate to the precinct, and refines the outcomes shown in the area plan. These plans explore planning ideas down to a block and sometimes individual property level and look at land use, building heights, capital works, urban design and historic landscape considerations.
Why is council doing this, isn't Auckland fine the way it is?Auckland faces many challenges in the future, including housing a growing population. This requires planning ahead for transport routes, areas of open space and places where people will work. Where these elements are carefully planned, the important natural and heritage parts of Auckland such as volcanic cones, waterfront and important buildings can be protected and enhanced. Without planning, growth may happen in a haphazard and uncoordinated way, which could significantly compromise the qualities of Auckland we currently value.
What is the relationship between the future planning framework and the District Plan?As a result of the proposed changes to regional governance, Auckland City Council will not proceed with a new district plan for the isthmus, previously due to be notified in 2010. Instead, we shall offer the research, citywide spatial framework, area plans, precinct plans, position papers and a summary of community feedback to the new Auckland Council to assist the preparation of a single district plan for the region.
Why can't I see my road/property?The objective of both the citywide spatial framework maps and area plans is to identify broad future land use intentions without defining these intentions to the individual property boundary level. So the boundaries used are intentionally "fuzzy" to allow a broad concept to be displayed. With respect to roads, main arterial roads and motorways have been identified. To ensure the concepts on plans are clearly understood, and to maintain the "fuzzy" objective the entire street network in the isthmus has not been identified.
Individual property level detail is included within the precinct plans, the third level of the future planning framework.
How does the future planning framework relate to the 10-year-plan?
The future planning framework has been developed to support Auckland City Council's overarching vision for Auckland city and its high-level strategies. The vision and strategies reflect the community outcomes defined in the council's 10-year plan. The plan enables the council to prioritise projects that will help achieve future goals for the city and the budget for them. It contains key projects we will be undertaking across the city over the next 10 years, capital expenditure, financials and funding policies. See our 10-year plan 2009-2019 (www.aucklandcity.govt.nz)
What will happen to the future planning framework plans in the upcoming changes to regional governance?
The future planning framework will be referred to the new Auckland Council for implementation. They will provide an excellent reference for the new Auckland Council to progress preparation of a single district plan for Auckland.
How will the precinct plan recommendations be implemented?
There will be a number of implementation methods available to the new Auckland Council and new Council Controlled Organisations to give effect to the precinct plans. These will include district plan changes, Long Term Council Community Plan spending and advocacy.
How were the precinct plans selected?
The council's City Development Committee selected those parts of the city suitable for preparation of a precinct plan. This was based on a number of factors including the importance of the areas for delivering future residential growth and jobs and the importance of the historic landscape or open space and recreation improvements in these areas.
What will happen with the feedback I provide on precinct plans?
There will not be individual responses to feedback made. Once received the feedback will be collated, analysed and grouped into key themes by council staff. Recommended changes will be marked up on the document and presented to the City Development Committee for endorsement.