Queenstown council throws out affordable housing levy

The Queenstown Lakes District Council proposed charging developers 5% to help provide affordable houses. (Image: NZME)

Fri, 02 Aug 2024

Queenstown has voted against becoming the first council in the country to require developers to contribute to affordable housing.The Queenstown Lakes District Council had proposed charging a 5% fee on new subdivisions, either money or land, to help deliver more affordable homes in its pricey property market.Community groups have long advocated for the mechanism known as inclusionary housing.However, the council voted on Thursday to withdraw the proposed variation to its district plan.It followed the recommendations of an independent hearing pan...

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