Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has announced an extension for submissions on the proposed Urban Intensification Variation (UIV), with the new end date for submissions to be Thursday October 5.

The UIV is an outcome of central government’s national policy statement on urban development, which directs councils around the country to remove some planning rules and plan for growth ‘both up and out’.

QLDC planning and development general manager David Wallace acknowledged it was critical to provide the community with as many opportunities as possible to have a say on the matter.

“The changes proposed in this variation are significant in some areas of the Queenstown Lakes District, and we’ve heard from passionate community members that would like more time to consider these changes and to make an informed submission,” he said.

“We hear you, and I’m happy to share we’ve extended the submission period by an additional two weeks as a result of the conversations we’ve been having in the community over the last two weeks.”

David said he was confident the extension would allow for more people to learn about the variation, understand the proposed changes, and share their thoughts.

Those with questions about the variation are being encouraged to contact QLDC’s Duty Planner (Policy) service, with a council policy planner available from 8.00am to 5.00pm on weekdays to discuss the proposed changes by calling 03 443 0024 (Wānaka).

Read more:

Urban intensification: Growth ‘up and out’ proposed

‘Confronting’ changes proposed for Wānaka CBD

The variation proposes increased densities and heights of building, allowing for the development of smaller and attached-style housing.

PHOTO: Wānaka App