Silver bullet or band aid? Perceptions of the impact of the Medium Density Residential Standards on the sense of neighbourhood and community in Christchurch : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master at Lincoln University

Abstract

In comparison to many international cities, New Zealand’s urban environment is classed as consisting of predominantly low-density residential development. In recent years however, housing demand coupled with climate pressure has forced decision-makers to re-think the way New Zealand plans its key cities. In a rare bipartisan solution between Labour and National, the government passed the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act in late December 2021. The Act aims to rapidly increase the supply of housing through allowing intensification policies under the National Policy Statement on Urban Development to occur at a faster rate through introducing the Intensification Streamline Planning Process and the Medium Density Residential Standards. Using Christchurch as a case study, this research examines the perceived risks and benefits associated with the extension of medium density housing through the Medium Density Residential Standards. The research is focused on the perceived implications for ‘sense of community and neighbourhood’ according to professionals who influence planning outcomes. It was found that the standards were seen to present a risk to aspects of spatial quality, with the aspects of sunlight and privacy being the key perceived concerns arising from the height-in-relation to boundary rule. There was perceived risk for residents and families to move out of neighbourhoods, alongside risks for developments to increase transient communities through not being owner-occupied. The reduction of green amenity that will occur under the standards are also perceived to erode existing character within Christchurch’s suburban neighbourhoods. Despite the prevailing risks, there were also benefits identified including the opportunity to transfer the loss of private amenity and invest into the public realm; opportunities for Māori and Pasifika intergenerational living and wellbeing outcomes; and opportunities for housing typologies that suit diverse needs and the ability to age in place. The overall consensus was that perceived outcomes are largely dependent on design, where it was felt that there needs to be enhanced design controls in order to ensure positive outcomes eventuate.