National's housing U-turn won't affect council hearings

Christchurch has been a vocal opponent of the government's intensification directive. (Image: Christchurch City Council)

Oliver Lewis

Tue, 30 May 2023

A plan change process enabling more housing density in Christchurch can’t be stopped, although mayor Phil Mauger says he prefers National’s new approach.Over the weekend, the party’s housing spokesman, Chris Bishop, confirmed what leader Chris Luxon had hinted at earlier in the week: that National was walking away from a bipartisan policy position called the medium density residential standards (MDRS).The standards, a supply-side solution to the housing crisis, allow for three homes up to three storeys on most residential site...

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