(File image) Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
A controversial plan change to allow six-storey buildings in Nelson is being questioned, with planners recommending a high density zone for the city be scrapped.
Nelson City Council has reviewed more than 900 submissions on the proposed Plan Change 29 and has recommended changes for a hearing panel to consider later this year.
Last August, the council voted to progress the plan change to enable greater housing intensification in the city.
The following month, the council voted against an amendment to withdraw the plan, instead choosing to extend the submissions period and hold neighbourhood meetings and drop-in sessions.
Opponents of the plan said it was daylight robbery and would destroy the city's amenity.
The council said it was changing parts of the Nelson Resource Management Plan to introduce more flexibility around housing policies and rules, in response to population growth and the demand for housing in the region.
Some of the recommendations are for the high density zone to be replaced with a medium density zone in most places, that high density developments be enabled on large sites in areas that are highly accessible and changes to daylight controls for better sunlight access.
The council has appointed independent hearing commissioners Greg Hill as chairperson, Michael Parsonson, deputy mayor Rohan O'Neill-Stevens and councillor Trudie Brand.
A hearing will be held to allow the submissions to be heard in public, by a hearing panel, before any decision is made. It will commence on 26 August.
