Minister signs off Cranford Regeneration Plan

A regeneration plan enabling around 370 new houses to be built near Papanui and St Albans has been approved today.

Land on Cranford St, between Grassmere St and Croziers Rd, is going to rezoned for residential development.

Gerry Brownlee, acting as the Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration, has approved the Cranford Regeneration Plan which rezones areas around Grassmere Street and Croziers Road for residential development.

The plan was prepared by Christchurch City Council and submitted to Regenerate Christchurch last month. It is the first prepared using the fast track process set out in the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act.

“It’s great to see the first regeneration plan proceed as we can expect to see this process play out again in different areas around the city,” says Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

“This is an ideal area for more housing because it is close to parks, shopping, schools and transport routes. The Cranford Regeneration Plan strikes a good balance between residential growth and looking after a natural wetland area in the Cranford Basin.”

The Plan amends the urban boundary in the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement and changes the zoning in the Christchurch District Plan from Rural Urban Fringe to Residential New Neighbourhood.

“As well as housing, the Plan includes a vision that will see the Cranford stormwater management area transformed into a multi-purpose wetland and recreation area,” says Ms  Dalziel.  “The proposal will enable better access into this wetland area, making it a great resource for local schools and recreation.”

A Memorandum of Understanding will now be developed between the Council and local land owners. The Plan requires developers to prepare a hydro-geological plan for managing groundwater to be approved by the Council prior to any subdivision consent being approved. Following this, land owners will need to submit subdivision and land use consents in accordance with the District Plan.

The first houses are expected to be ready by the end of 2020.