‘Granny flat’ change comes with risks
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Proposed 'granny flat' legislation could help address housing demand in North Canterbury, but officials want safeguards against flooding and liquefaction risks.
The Hurunui District Council has questioned whether small homes are practical in the windy region, while the Waimakariri District Council says the policy appears to be consistent with its proposed District Plan.
The Government is seeking feedback on a proposal to force councils to allow buildings of up to 60m2 in certain areas, without requiring a consent.
The proposal was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Housing Minister Chris Bishop last week.
It will amend the Building Act and the resource consent system to make it easier to build granny flats or other small structures up to 60m2, provided they met the building code.
Hurunui District Council building and property manager Kerry Walsh said given the majority of the district is above the high wind zone, the maximum allowed in the proposal, ‘‘granny flats’’ may not even be permitted.
The Hurunui District includes the growing town of Amberley and tourist hotspot, Hanmer Springs.
If granny flats were allowed, he said it could "double the number of houses connected to the council’s systems".
The council needed to consider a number of questions when offering feedback including: will there be enough checks and balances, and will local infrastructure have sufficient capacity to support the proposal.
Waimakariri District Council planning, regulation and environment general manager Kelly LaValley said the proposal has the potential to address housing demand in the area, which includes Rangiora.
‘‘It aligns with our District Plan that allows granny flats to be established without a resource consent, provided conditions are met.
‘‘It is also good to see that the proposal considers impacts to stormwater, servicing, and infrastructure funding.’’
But there needed to be safeguards included to mitigate the risks from liquefaction and flooding.
There will need to be a clearly defined method of determining if the granny flats comply with the Building Code.
The Kaikōura District Council has also been contacted for comment.
Consultation is open until August 12, with final policy decisions to be made later in 2024. They are expected to be in place by mid-2025.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
-
83% Yes
-
14.4% No
-
2.6% Other - I'll share below
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
-
4.6% Second half of November
-
43.4% 1st December
-
17.7% A week before Christmas
-
33.3% Whenever you wish
-
1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Loading…
