Auckland Council accused of hijacking Unitary Plan

The Auckland Council is being accused of hijacking the planned blueprint for the city's development by sneaking through housing density changes. After four years in the making, the 30-year Unitary Plan for Auckland's future is due to be considered by an independent panel next year. But after settling housing densities back in 2013, the Council has been reworking the zoning map, after early feedback from the panel argued that the plan didn't provide enough housing capacity. A lobby group focussed on the plan, Auckland 2040, says it's outrageous that communities are not having a say .Its spokesperson is Richard Burton. Auckland Counci's Deputy Mayor, Penny Hulse responds.