RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has released an investigation report and launched consultation on Wellington’s heritage planning rules related to five key sites.

The report following a request from Wellington City Council for the Minister to exercise the regulation-making power in the Resource Management Act, which enables the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform to remove or modify provisions in district plans where they negatively impact economic growth, development capacity or employment.

“The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Wellington asked me to look at heritage provisions related to the the Karori Tunnel and Kelburn Viaduct, the former General Headquarters Building at the corner of Taranaki Street and Buckle Street, and the Miramar oil tank. They also asked me to look at the height restrictions in the Courtenay Place Heritage Area,” Mr Bishop says.

“The investigation found that some heritage provisions are having negative impacts on economic growth and employment and explores how these can be remedied. I am now consulting on those findings.

“The report estimates that modifying/removing the relevant controls could enable around 770 additional apartments, generate approximately $280 million in construction activity, and support around 300 jobs through commercial redevelopment, including film studio facilities.

“Community consultation is an important part of this process, and I encourage anyone with relevant information, evidence or views on these heritage provisions to take part.

“There are several statutory steps that must be completed before any regulations can be made. Wellington City Council has received the investigation report, and affected parties are now being invited to provide feedback on its findings.”

Following consultation, the Minister will consider feedback from affected parties alongside Wellington City Council’s response to the investigation report before deciding whether to recommend regulations under section 360I of the Resource Management Act.

Courtenay Place Heritage Area (CPHA) – District Plan Reference number 26 (DP Ref #26).

c. Kelburn Viaduct – DP Ref #27.

d. Former GHQ Building, corner of Taranaki St and Buckle St – DP Ref #424.

e. Miramar Installation Bulk Storage Tank, 139 Park Road (Miramar site) – DP Ref #511.