'Weaponising rates': Debate over plans to spur on vacant Christchurch landowner
From reporter Steven Walton:
Is it an illegal policy, or the perfect deterrent to land-bankers?
That was the clash of perspectives in the Christchurch City Council chamber on Wednesday, as developers and residents presented to councillors about its controversial proposal to significantly hike the rates of vacant central city land.
Prominent developers, including Richard Peebles, Philip Carter, Dean Marshall, and Ernest Duval, told city councillors on Wednesday they were going after the vacant land problem the wrong way. Carter claimed the proposal was illegal.
But, a central city neighbourhood association says the plan will stop land-bankers.
What is the proposal?
- From mid-2022, the council wants to more than double the differential on the “general” component of the rates bill for central city vacant landowners.
- If a site has consented use happening on it, for example a consented temporary car park, it would not be pinged.
- Only sites in the Central City Business Zone or the Central City Mixed Use (South Frame) Zone are part of the proposed hike.
- Sites that are “improved and maintained” in line with the council’s vacant sites improvement guide could apply for a rates remission. - Whether a site is complying will be decided by the council.
Read more here.
Lest we forget...
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.
Covid update - National figures
Another encouraging result as another drop puts it into the 2400 zone, the best since Feb 2022
It is still concerning that Cant seems slower to drop 16.6% again and I found out today, that both my next-door neighbours had it last week and are struggling to get over it.
Stay safe folks.
New - Deaths Cant new cases % of National
2383 - 21...........................16.6%
2618 - 8.............................16.6%
3385 - 13 ..........................16.0%
3399 - 7.............................15.4%
4042 - 14...........................15.9%
4666 - 24 ..........................15.0%
4803 - 24 ..........................15.0%
5545 - 21
6084 - 20
6312 - 14
5878 - 15
5555 - 20
5757 - 20
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.4% Yes
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8.3% No
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0.3% Other - I'll share below!
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