As of 1 November 2010 the seven councils of the Auckland region amalgamated into the Auckland Council. Despite this we will still have to endure the diversity and complexities of all seven current District Plans of the former councils until a Unitary Plan is prepared to replace the current district and regional plans. The Unitary Plan will contain guidance and rules on how land can be developed and how the natural and physical resources of the region can be used. It will be the main method by which the new Spatial Plan is implemented. The Spatial Plan will replace the existing Auckland Regional Growth Strategy. No definite time frame for the new plans to become operative has been given the Auckland Council, however, given the complexities of the region and idiosyncrasies of the district plan process it is likely the current plans will remain in use for quite a few years to come.
For more information about this article please contact Landscape Architect, Jason Hogan of LA 4 Landscape Architects.
