Enabling Housing Supply in the Waikato District (Variation 3)

On the 22 October 2024, the Waikato District Council released a public notification on their decisions on an independent hearing panel recommendations to the Proposed Waikato District Plan - Variation 3 : Enabling Housing Supply.

The decision by Council accepted all but two of the recommendations, and the effects of these recommendations became operative on 30 October 2024.

Changes of note within the Franklin area include the identification of land that is to be rezoned from the General residential zone to the Medium Density Residential Zone 2 in central Tuakau and Pokeno.

The re-zoning enables greater density of housing and development options within these re-zoned locations.

Get in touch with BIRCH to discuss your next project or development options. We are land development consultants with specialist in-house planners, surveyors and civil engineers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Variation 3 to the Waikato District Plan?

Variation 3 is an update to the Waikato District Plan aimed at enabling greater housing supply by rezoning selected areas to allow higher-density residential development.

Which areas are affected by the re-zoning?

In the Franklin area, land in central Tuakau and Pokeno has been rezoned from General Residential to Medium Density Residential Zone 2, allowing more housing units per site.

What does Medium Density Residential zoning mean?

Medium Density Residential zoning allows a higher concentration of housing compared to standard residential zones. This includes options for townhouses, duplexes, or smaller lot subdivisions while maintaining planning standards.

How can landowners or developers take advantage of these changes?

Landowners and developers can explore development opportunities, including higher-density housing projects, by consulting with planning professionals, surveyors, and engineers to ensure compliance with the updated District Plan.