Notice of Meeting:

I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee will be held on:

 

Date:                             Tuesday 16 April 2019

Time:                            1.30 pm (or at the conclusion of the previous meeting, whichever is later)

Venue:                          Edinburgh Room, Municipal Chambers, The Octagon, Dunedin

 

Sue Bidrose

Chief Executive Officer

 

Planning and Environment Committee

PUBLIC AGENDA

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

Chairperson

David Benson-Pope

 

Deputy Chairperson

Damian Newell

Conrad Stedman

Members

Dave Cull

Rachel Elder

 

Christine Garey

Doug Hall

 

Aaron Hawkins

Marie Laufiso

 

Mike Lord

Jim O'Malley

 

Chris Staynes

Lee Vandervis

 

Andrew Whiley

Kate Wilson

 

Senior Officer                                Sandy Graham (General Manager Strategy and Governance)

 

Governance Support Officer       Lauren McDonald

 

 

 

Lauren McDonald

Governance Support Officer

 

 

Telephone: 03 477 4000

Lynne.Adamson@dcc.govt.nz

www.dunedin.govt.nz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Reports and recommendations contained in this agenda are not to be considered as Council policy until adopted.

 


Planning and Environment Committee

16 April 2019

 

 

 

ITEM TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                                    PAGE

 

1        Public Forum                                                                                           4

1.1   Public Forum - Jen Coatham to speak on oil and gas drilling being proposed for the coast of Otago.       

2        Apologies                                                                                               4

3        Confirmation of Agenda                                                                             4

4        Declaration of Interest                                                                              5      

Part A Reports (Committee  has power to decide these matters)

5        Planning and Environment Non-Financial Activity Report for the Quarter Ended 31  March 2019      15

6        Business land capacity assessment                                                              32

7        Central City Plan: George Street Consultation Evaluation Report                         35

8        Items for Consideration by the Chair             

 

 


Planning and Environment Committee

16 April 2019

 

 

 

1     Public Forum

Jen Coatham to speak on oil and gas drilling being proposed for the coast of Otago.

 

2     Apologies

An apology has been received from Cr Kate Wilson.

 

That the Committee:

 

Accepts the apology from Cr Kate Wilson.

3     Confirmation of agenda

Note: Any additions must be approved by resolution with an explanation as to why they cannot be delayed until a future meeting.


Planning and Environment Committee

16 April 2019

 

 

Declaration of Interest

 

  

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.     Members are reminded of the need to stand aside from decision-making when a conflict arises between their role as an elected representative and any private or other external interest they might have.

2.     Elected members are reminded to update their register of interests as soon as practicable, including amending the register at this meeting if necessary.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a)     Notes/Amends if necessary the Elected Members' Interest Register attached as Attachment A; and

b)     Confirms/Amends the proposed management plan for Elected Members' Interests.

 

 

Attachments

 

Title

Page

a

Register of Interest

7

  



Planning and Environment Committee

16 April 2019

 

 

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Planning and Environment Committee

16 April 2019

 

 

Part A Reports

 

Planning and Environment Non-Financial Activity Report for the Quarter Ended 31 March 2019

Department: Customer and Regulatory Services and Community and Planning

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1      This report updates the Committee on activities including city development, resource consents, building services, alcohol licensing, environmental health, animal control and parking enforcement for the quarter ended 31 March 2019.

2      Key highlights for the quarter in terms of major initiatives included:

·           Responding to appeals on the Second Generation District Plan (2GP).

 

·           Work initiated on identifying option for enabling further development and increasing housing capacity as required by the National Policy Statement – Urban Development Capacity (NPS-UDC).

 

·           Conclusion of consultation on George Street aspects of Central City Plan. 

 

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a)     Notes the Planning and Environment Non-Financial Activity Report for the Quarter Ended 31 March 2019.

b)     Notes the Dunedin Heritage Fund grants (Attachment A).

 

BACKGROUND

3      The Community and Planning group of activities works with other agencies to set the direction for managing Dunedin’s built and natural environment and is responsible for promoting the sustainable management of the natural and physical resources through its administration of the functions of the Council under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).

4      Regulatory Services contributes directly to the Safe and Health City outcome which is a part of the Social Wellbeing Strategy and enhances personal safety in relation to building services, animal services, health licensing, the sale and supply of alcohol and parking enforcement.

DISCUSSION

Service and Satisfaction

5      The Residents’ Opinion Survey (ROS) is the principal mechanism by which the Council measures resident satisfaction with a wide range of its activities.

6      From July 2016 the ROS has been conducted on a continuous monthly basis, aiming to obtain around 100 responses each month, to replicate the average annual sample size of around 1,200 obtained in previous years. The quarterly results in the graphs below generally reflect the responses of around 300 residents. A sample of 300 has an expected 95% confidence interval (margin of error) of +/- 5.7%, whereas the annual result for 2015/16 had a margin of error of +/- 2.5%. Results for the year will continue to be published in the annual ROS report at year end. Notable measures are listed in the balance of this report.

7      At the time of writing, March 2019 ROS results were unavailable. These will be included in the next report.

 

Satisfaction with Look and Feel of the City

8      An 7% decrease in satisfaction with ‘overall look and feel of the city’ was reported as at 28 February 2019.

 


 

Satisfaction with Regulatory Services

9      A 5% increase in satisfaction with ‘Regulatory Services’ was reported as at 28 February 2019.

 

Value and Efficiency

Resource Consents

10    The 2018 calendar year was the busiest since the Global Financial Crisis; 28% more applications than the average since 2009. During the quarter, 280 of the 284 applications were processed within the statutory timeframe. The amount processed each month was 90, 72 and 72.

11    The graph shows resource consent processing on a monthly basis over the last five years up to March 2019. The blue line shows the percentage meeting the statutory deadline; ranges from 97 to 100. The red line shows the number of resource consents granted each month; a five-year average of 77. The fluctuation is normal. The January and December low points reflect the summer holiday periods.

 

12    This graph also serves as an indication of overall activity in the Resource Consent team.  More detailed information is provided each month as the City Planning Activity report on the Council’s website, and can be accessed via the following link:  http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/planning.

13    Complaints about activities occurring in the community remain high.  At the end of March the total received is 56% above the average for the preceding seven years. This is a continuation of the of trend that started in October 2017.


 

Building Consents

14    The number of building consents applications for the first quarter of 2019 is comparable to 2018 with 611 received (619 in 2018). The overall value of consents for the quarter is higher than average compared to previous Jan – Mar quarters at $69.2M. The number of new dwelling applications is slightly down at 74 for the quarter.

15    Processing times for Building Consents finished the quarter at 98.6%. Short term pressure is likely to remain for the next quarter with the Easter holidays, mandatory training courses and the training of four new recruits having impacts. Code Compliance Certificate processing times for the quarter were 99.8% with average time to book an inspection being 2-3 days.

 

Alcohol Licensing

16    The number of on-licences has increased in the first quarter of 2019.  A new licence was issued for a restaurant in Lower Stuart Street (“Mamacita”) as well as a caterer’s licence in January.  The restaurant at the Mosgiel Memorial RSA was licensed in February and “Sunset Sam”, a new tavern, in March. A boutique winery, “Urbn Vino” in Cumberland Street near the Queens Gardens, obtained an off-licence in March.

17    The number of manager’s certificate applications processed is down on the corresponding period last year while the number of special licence applications, while up compared to the previous two years, closely mirrors the downward trend for this time of year.

 

Environmental Health

‘A’ Graded Food Premises

18    The percentage of food premises with an A Grade remains constant over the last nine months. All food businesses that are required to transition over to the new Food Act 2014 regulations have now done so and are using Safe and Suitable Food Control Plans.

 

Noise

19    The number of noise complaints received in February and March is the highest recorded in the last ten years. Complaints about the noise from the new Rio Class ships berthed at Port Otago largely account for the increase. The issue is not yet resolved. The high number of complaints is also linked to students returning to the city at the start of the University year. At the start of each year, staff visit known problem flats with representatives from the Police, University and Noise Control to talk to the residents about being responsible neighbours.

 

Animal Services

20    This quarter has seen an increase in complaints received relating to attacks on a person and barking dogs.  All other customer service requests were similar to the same period in 2018.

 

Parking Services

21    This quarter has seen an increase in the number of parking infringements issued compared to the same time in 2018. This increase is due to a full complement of staff.

22    Parking Services are continuing to deal with a high number of abandoned vehicles. This quarter there has been a decrease in the number of parking enforcement requests for service when compared to the same time in 2018. This reduction may be due to the implementation of new technology which enables requests for service to be dealt with more efficiently.

 

 

Eco Design Advisor

23    There is currently a survey underway for customers who used the service between August and October 2018.  The purpose of the survey is to help improve the service. 

24    Council staff were briefed on the service and were also provided with information on keeping a healthy home.  The Eco design advisor also presented to the DCC H&S committee.

25    A number of activities promoting the service to the wider community were also undertaken including the first of a series of articles written for ‘The Valley Voice’.  As a result, there were several referrals from people who hadn’t heard of the Eco design service. 

26    The Eco design advisor visits the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) once a month to speak with the parents and talk about the importance of a healthy home and how to achieve it. The Eco design advisor also spoke at the New Zealand Institute of Environmental Health Professional development conference held in Dunedin in March.  

 

Major Initiatives

27    The following section is not confined to the Jan – Mar 2019 quarter and also provides updates on the current status of the initiatives.

28    Proposed Second Generation Dunedin City District Plan (2GP) – The 2GP Hearings Panel released its decisions on the 2GP on 7 November 2018.  The release of decisions was followed by an appeal period to the Environment Court, during which 83 appeals were lodged.

29    All the appeal points, along with the s274 parties, have been categorised into four groups based on priority areas. On 18 March 2018, the Group 1 priority topics were the subject of a Pre-hearing Conference meeting with Judge Borthwick, who has been appointed to consider the 2GP appeals. 

30    All rules in the 2GP now have legal effect and are to be considered alongside the rules in the current District Plan (2006). If there are no appeals against a rule (or any closely related provisions) in the 2GP, those rules may be ‘deemed operative’. This means they replace any related rules in the current District Plan (2006). However, if a rule (or closely related provision) is appealed, both rules apply until the appeals have been dismissed, withdrawn or determined by the Environment Court.

31    Variation 1 - Council recently approved a variation (plan change) to address minor issues in the 2GP (Variation 1). The intention is to notify Variation 1 for public submissions around the middle of 2019.

32    Variation 2: Population growth - In February, Council approved Variation 2 to address the shortfall identified when Dunedin was reclassified as a medium-growth urban area under the National Policy Statement for Urban Development Capacity (NPS-UDC). Work has already started to identify options on how to address medium and long-term capacity requirements. The NPS-UDC requires that the DCC considers all practicable options to enable necessary housing capacity. This could include applying residential zoning to new areas (greenfield development), amending rules or other provisions to increase the density of housing enabled in residential zones, or using statutory tools and methods available under other legislation.

33    Once initial options are developed, consultation will start with landowners to understand the likelihood that areas would be developed if rezoned. There will also be opportunities for broader public consultation on the identified options.

34    The NPS-UDC also requires the DCC to identify where and how long-term demand for housing will be enabled. Long-term demand does not need to be zoned in the District Plan and is usually identified in a separate plan prepared under the Local Government Act.

35    Dunedin Waterfront – An application for capital funding was submitted by DCC on behalf of the waterfront stakeholders on 19 November 2018 together with letters of support from the key stakeholders, other Councils in the region and a potential investor in the hotel. The funding application is now scheduled to be considered in detail by the Independent Assessment Panel for the Provincial Growth Fund in April 2019.   Following the assessment and recommendation from the Independent Assessment Panel, the final decision on funding approval will need to be made by Cabinet.

36    South Dunedin Future - Plans to engage with the community on the climate change adaptation challenge are currently being worked through in detail, with an expectation that this begins in the next quarter.  This has been informed by good practice review and by discussions with different groups including the South Dunedin Future Academic Reference Group, which met in February specifically on the topic of community engagement approaches.  Some steps are already being taken – staff from Policy and 3 Waters presented at the latest South Dunedin Community Hui in February and will present at the next one.  Agencies are collaborating on messaging, for example the DCC, ORC, GNS Science and the University of Otago, together with the South Dunedin Community Network have discussed the approach for the South Dunedin Street Festival.  Also, staff from the project team will be based one morning a week in the South Dunedin Community Hub from next month, and new webpages to support easier access to the work being undertaken around South Dunedin are now live.

37    2019 DCC Heritage Awards - The Dunedin Heritage Awards took place on Tuesday 19th March at Toitu OSM and were attended by one of the largest audiences ever.  The wide range of entries highlighted the increasing number of successful heritage re-use projects across Dunedin.   It also meant the judges had a challenging time making their

38    The awards featured several new award categories.  There were fifteen separate project nominations plus four nominations for the new ‘Pam Jordan Services to Heritage Award’.

39    Dunedin Heritage Fund - The Heritage Fund Committee has met for three rounds to date and allocated the grants totalling $346,000.  Refer Attachment A. 

40    Biodiversity - The Dunedin Biodiversity Fund is now more aligned with the Community Grants process. The fund is now completely online and all information available to applicants has been updated to reflect the outcomes from the recent review of the fund. Increased advertising and outreach was undertaken for the April 2019 round. The Biodiversity Advisor, City Development attended Community Board meetings in March to introduce the new Biodiversity Advisor role and promote the Biodiversity Fund.

41    A high-resolution Geographic Information System (GIS) map of the vegetation cover of Dunedin City has been procured and is currently being created. This map will provide a level of detail above and beyond that available in currently available national classifications. The map will be used as a baseline for monitoring the extent of indigenous ecosystems in the city, and to identify priority areas for ongoing and future work. This will help achieve better indigenous biodiversity outcomes for our district and make a significant difference to our ability to mainstream the protection and enhancement of indigenous biodiversity in our community.

42    Te Ao Tūroa – Two strands of work to deliver the Town Belt Boost flagship project are progressing.  The online ‘Story Map’ that makes it easy to find out about areas of interest around the Town Belt will be completed in late April.  Information is being also collected and analysed about perceptions of the Town Belt to inform approaches to increase usage.  A People’s Panel survey saw over 200 responses with an online survey due to finish 20 April.  Another information gathering session will be held at the Wild Dunedin Festival later this month. 

43    Applications are now open for grants from Te Ao Tūroa.  The emphasis is on projects that take a city-wide approach, create partnerships and demonstrate an innovative approach to supporting the natural world. 

44    This year’s Environment Envoy project has been selected.  Environment Envoy supports creative projects that encourage the Dunedin community to see the local environment in new ways through the innovative use of vacant space by artists.  This year’s project is ‘4KT Elephants Project,’ which aims to engage the Dunedin community in practical solutions to repurpose textile waste and reduce landfill.

Urban Design Projects

45    Central City Plan: George Street Consultation Feedback - The Central City Plan is the subject of a separate report on this agenda.

46    Following on from the successful installation of the parklet outside the Captain Cook, more parklets will be installed on George Street as part of the changes to bus stops. The changes will include a combination of short stay car parking spaces, mobility spaces, Authorized Vehicles Only and parklets. The parklets have been designed and are in the process of being procured. It is envisaged there will be some interim parklets installed whilst the main parklets are being fabricated, with a final parklet infrastructure in place in July 2019.

47    Early investigations are being undertaken around the development of laneways in the George Street area, including Albion Place. Initial discussions with business interests in the area have been positive and further work will be undertaken to see what is feasible.

OPTIONS

54    As this is an update report there are no options.

NEXT STEPS

55    A further update report will be provided after the conclusion of the next quarter.

56    Key areas of focus for the next quarter include:

a)     Managing appeals on the 2GP

b)     Initiating Variations 1 and 2

c)     Review of Heritage Fund criteria and grant structure

d)     Commencing the masterplanning for the public areas on Waterfront revitalisation project working closely with iwi, as decision for Government Provincial Growth Fund capital funding is awaited.

e)     Initiating engagement with the community on the climate change adaption challenges.

f)     Continuing the work on the Central City Plan.

 

 

Signatories

Author:

Adrian Blair - Group Manager Customer and Regulatory Services

Alan Worthington - Resource Consents Manager

Authoriser:

Sandy Graham - General Manager City Services

Attachments

 

Title

Page

a

Dunedin Heritage Fund

30

 

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

 

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report relates to providing a public service and it is considered good-quality and cost-effective.

Fit with strategic framework

 

Contributes

Detracts

Not applicable

Social Wellbeing Strategy

Economic Development Strategy

Environment Strategy

Arts and Culture Strategy

3 Waters Strategy

Spatial Plan

Integrated Transport Strategy

Parks and Recreation Strategy

Other strategic projects/policies/plans

The Planning and Environment portfolio of activities support the outcomes of a number of strategies.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no known impacts for tangata whenua.

Sustainability

As an update report, there are no specific implications for sustainability.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

As an update report, there are no implications for the LTP, although some measures are level of service performance measures annually reported as part of the LTP.

Financial considerations

The updates reported are within existing operating and capital budgets.

Significance

This decision is considered of low significance under the Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

As an update report, no external engagement has been undertaken.

Engagement - internal

As an update report, no internal engagement has been undertaken. Input to the major initiatives and project updates has been provided by teams within Regulatory Services and Community and Planning Groups, with the Group Manager Transport also providing input regarding the Central City Plan.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

There are no specific implications for Community Boards.

 


Planning and Environment Committee

16 April 2019

 

 

Dunedin Heritage Fund
Round 1 August 2018:

1        Address

2        Grant

3        Work

4        Project Value

5        5 Mountfort Street Outram

6        $10,000

7        Building restoration

8        Project value

9        500 Hillside Road

10     $15,000

11                          Engineering & geotechnical reports

 

12     17 Elder Street &

13         29 Constitution Street

14     $5,000

15     Restoration & re-use of Stables

16     $450,000

17     147 Hillside Road

18     $5,000

19     Structural engineering report

20     $4,700

21     14 Ferntree Drive

22     $40,000

23     Shingle roof renewal

24     $166,737

25     49 Stuart Street

26     $20,000

27     Facade restoration

28     $42,959

 

 

Round 2 November 2018:

 

29     Address

30     Grant

31     Work

32     Project Value

33     117 Stuart Street

34     $40,000

35                         Earthquake strengthening & leadlight glass restoration

36     $5,000,000

37     50 Butts Road

38     $15,000

39     Roof repairs and conservation plan

40     $29,436

41                1299 Highcliff Road

42     $25,000

43     Conservation Plan for Hereweka Harbour Cone Trust sites

44     $45,259

45                  201 Princes Street

46     $20,000

47     Repair of windows, façade & brickwork

48     $85,500

49     24 Mount Street, Port Chalmers

50     $50,000

51     Conservation & refurbishment of Iona Church

52     $1,300,000

 

 

Round 3 February 2019:

 

53     Address

54     Grant

55     Work

56     Project Value

57     462 Moray Place

58     $20,000

59                         Earthquake strengthening & decorative ceiling repairs

60     $2,600,000

61     23 Vogel Street

62     $4,000

63     Repairs to windows and door.

64     $20,618

65     470 Moray Place

66     $20,000

67     Earthquake strengthening

68     $555,499

69     8 Stafford Street

70     $10,000

71     Completion of final restoration works to façade and interiors

72     $658,473

73                    61-65Carroll Street

74     $5,000

75     Plaster façade restoration

76     $75,288

77     301 Moray Place

78     $15,000

79     Investigation of parapet roof area prior to conservation works

80     $54,000

81     18 Pitt Street

82     $5,000

83     Clay tile roof renewal

84     $35,460

85     50 Butts Road

86     $3,000

87     Electrical rewiring

88     $35,000

89     2 Fifield Street

90     $4,000

91     Restoration work for cast iron lacework on facade

92     $8,000

93     82 Bond Street

94     $15,000

95               Repairs to roof, walls and coatings

96     $49,127

 

 

TOTAL GRANTS

$346,000

 


Planning and Environment Committee

16 April 2019

 

 

 

Business land capacity assessment

Department: Planning

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1      Dunedin is experiencing its highest population growth in over 20 years. As a result of this growth, Dunedin has been reclassified as a medium-growth urban area under the National Policy Statement for Urban Development Capacity (NPS-UDC).

2      As a medium-growth area, the DCC is required to ensure there is enough business land development capacity in the short (3 years), medium (10 years) and long-term (30 years).

3      The attached report provides an overview of the projected demand and capacity of business land. It finds Dunedin has enough capacity to meet projected long-term demand for almost all business activities. Discussions with the University of Otago suggest that they may be ‘short of space’ by the mid-2020s. Further discussions will be held with the University to understand their needs and how they may be met.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a)     Notes the conclusions of the Business Land Capacity Assessment dated March 2019

 

BACKGROUND

4      The NPS-UDC was released in November 2016 and requires councils to consider the impacts of their planning frameworks on the development market. A key part of this is enabling the market to operate efficiently by providing enough opportunities for development.

5      The NPS-UDC sets objectives for all councils, with additional requirements for medium and high-growth areas. New population projections released in September 2017 triggered requirements for DCC to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the demand and capacity for new business land.

DISCUSSION

Demand for business land

6      There is expected to be a 5.1% increase in the amount of people working in Dunedin by 2048, with most of the growth occurring within the next five years. The industrial sector is expected to have the most significant growth in employees. Retail and office activities are projected to have modest growth, while health and education are likely to have low or negative employment growth.

7      While most sectors are likely to see increases in employee counts, this is expected to be offset by companies using space more efficiently. Demand for floorspace is projected to increase for all sectors over 2018-23 before declining over 2023-48 (except industrial, which is expected to peak in 2028).

Capacity of business land

8      The estimated amount of feasible capacity for retail and office space is expected to be sufficient for long-term growth. The capacity would still be sufficient if population growth followed Council’s high growth scenario, or if there was no improvement in the efficiency of floorspace use.

9      There is also sufficient capacity for industrial land to meet demand over the short, medium and long-term. This would also hold true if future population growth followed DCC’s high growth scenario. If there was no improvement in the efficiency of floorspace use, capacity would be sufficient for 25 years.

10    The University of Otago has advised that the current capacity within the existing campus footprint should be sufficient to accommodate growth for the short-medium term based on projected growth rates and space utilisation improvements. No additional net space is expected to be required for schools due to the declining school-aged population.

11    Based on discussions with the Ministry of Health, the land purchases associated with the upcoming hospital rebuild project are believed to provide for hospital activities into the foreseeable future.

OPTIONS

12    Options are not provided as this report is for noting only.

NEXT STEPS

13    Dunedin complies with the NPS-UDC requirement to enable capacity for short, medium and long-term growth for almost all business land activities. There will be continued work with the University of Otago to understand its needs. Under the NPS-UDC, the next business land capacity assessment is due in three years.

 

Signatories

Author:

Nathan Stocker - Policy Planner (Urban Development Capacity)

Authoriser:

Anna Johnson - City Development Manager

Sandy Graham - General Manager City Services

Attachments

 

Title

Page

a

Business land capacity assessment (Under Separate Cover)

 

 

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

 

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report relates to providing a regulatory function and it is considered good-quality and cost-effective.

Fit with strategic framework

 

Contributes

Detracts

Not applicable

Social Wellbeing Strategy

Economic Development Strategy

Environment Strategy

Arts and Culture Strategy

3 Waters Strategy

Spatial Plan

Integrated Transport Strategy

Parks and Recreation Strategy

Other strategic projects/policies/plans

This report is largely information only, but will contribute to infrastructure and spatial planning.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no known direct impacts of this report for tangata whenua.

Sustainability

No implications for sustainability.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

No implications identified.

Financial considerations

No implications identified.

Significance

This report is assessed as low significance in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

Engagement has occurred with the University of Otago, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health.

Engagement - internal

Engagement has occurred with Enterprise Dunedin and Three Waters.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

No identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

No identified conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

There are no direct implications of this report for community boards.

 

 


Planning and Environment Committee

16 April 2019

 

 

 

Central City Plan: George Street Consultation Evaluation Report

Department: City Development and Transport

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1      The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on the recently completed community engagement process, undertaken to inform the concept design process for the George Street project. The George Street project is the next stage of work within the Central City Plan.

 

2      In total 1,198 submissions have been received, 554 engaged online through an interactive mapping tool, 293 using the DCC Council survey and 351 who responded at  workshops.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a)     Notes the Central City Plan: George Street Consultation Evaluation Report

b)     Notes that staff will report back to the committee with a concept plan for George Street before commencing the next round of engagement

 

 

BACKGROUND

3      Stakeholder and public consultation have been completed for the Stage 1 of the George Street project. This consultation took place from 6th February until 7th April 2019 in locations across the CBD and in various suburban centres. A list of locations is included in Attachment A.

4      To advertise the consultation, various media releases were used to encourage members of the community to participate. The communication of the consultation is listed as follows:

·           Press release 4th February to local newspaper

·           DCC Social media posts

·           Dunedin Youth Council Social media

·           OAR FM radio interview

·           Pop up Central City Plan kiosk in Golden Centre Mall

·           Connecting Dunedin Social Media

5      The engagement took the form of 25 stakeholder workshops, 43 public roadshows, paper surveys in 8 letterbox locations across the city and an online presence through the DCC website. The feedback sought from this consultation was a Stage 1 engagement, where the wider community can ‘have their say’ about how they would like to see George Street develop, what they would like to change, with a focus on both placemaking and movement functions. Consultation collateral is included as Attachments B, C and D.

6      All submissions received will be used to inform the next stage of design which is the development of a concept design.

7      Stage 2 consultation will take place in the third quarter of 2019, where affected stakeholders will be given the opportunity to comment on the concept design and the wider community will be informed of the proposed concept for George Street.

8      This format of engagement reflects Council’s commitment to meaningfully engage with communities and stakeholders, as outlined in the DCC Significance and Engagement Policy. It builds on previous engagement work and is based on international good practice, including International Association Public Participation (IAP2) principles.

DISCUSSION

Workshops

9      Invitations were sent out to individuals, businesses, groups and organisations across Dunedin to take part in stakeholder workshops.

10    The sessions included a presentation on the project as. A copy of the presentation is included as Attachment E. In addition to this, the workshops included a Question and Answer session, and in some cases a mapping exercise where participants could draw how they would like to see George Street. Images from the workshops are included as Attachment F.

11    At every session, attendees were encouraged to make individual submissions via DCC survey or interactive mapping tool on the DCC website.

12    In addition to the workshops below, at each session, attendees were encouraged to share the information with their networks with an open offer for the project team to attend additional workshops if there was demand. This offer was advertised on the DCC website and resulted in an additional 11 workshops.

Community Groups (total attendees 10)

13    The feedback from this group is summarised as following:

·           Support for presentation as shown

·           Artistic interventions

·           Vibrant events in daytime/night period

·           Development of street cafes

·           Safety improvements – antisocial behaviour focus

·           More seating

·           More greenery and greenspaces

·           Incorporate rain gardens and sustainable drainage systems

·           Include signage

·           Support shared spaces or pedestrianisation in some or all blocks

Arts & Events Community (total attendees 15)

14    The feedback from this group was positive with a strong focus on placemaking. The group included artists, events organisers, design professionals and lecturers of art and design at the University and Polytech. The feedback from this group is summarised as following:

·           Support for presentation as shown

·           Artistic interventions and storytelling

·           Support of activity plan approach for events and artistic interventions

·           Encouraging development of laneways around George Street (and wider CBD)

·           Design of children/youth focussed spaces

·           Greenery and greenspaces development

·           Vibrant events and community events on George Street

·           Activating blocks of George Street through events and art

Chamber of Commerce (total attendees 70)

15    The Chamber of Commerce hosted two sessions which were attended by business people, retailers and managers from across Dunedin. Feedback from these groups is summarised as following:

·           Car Parking – car parking strategy and provision near to George Street

·           Reduction in traffic congestion

·           Development of smart city technology

·           Land use mix – food, entertainment and retail

·           Increase inner city residential

·           Requesting further information about bus hub and routes specifically around George Street

16    The Chamber of Commerce has made a submission which is included as Attachment G.

Heart of Dunedin Business Group (total attendees 35)

17    Heart of Dunedin are the business group of building owners, retailers, chain managers and office blocks located within George Street. The first workshop was with the board and the second was open to all businesses in George Street. Invites were hand delivered to each individual business along the street.

18    The session was also attended by DCC’s Heritage Advisor who provided information about Heritage Grants with the building owners in attendance.

19    Feedback from the two sessions is summarised below.

·           Support for presentation as shown

·           Car Parking – the group would like to see a provision for additional car parking close to George Street and maintain the existing amount as minimum number of car parking spaces

·           Improve vibrancy on George Street

·           Data collection to inform decision making pre, during and post project to evaluate.

·           Subject to trials and data, an interim measure towards pedestrian priority, with drop bollards that could close the street at peak business times, but with some through traffic at quieter times of the day.

20    Heart of Dunedin has made a formal submission which is included as Attachment H.

Hui with mana whenua

21    The focus of this session was to present the workshop collateral and discuss ways in which mana whenua and DCC could work in partnership on this project but also the wider Central City redevelopment. A summary of the feedback received includes:

·           Generally supportive for presentation as shown

·           Embed Ngai Tahu cultural values and narratives into the Central City Plan project

·           Project by project focus on Dunedin pre-1840 and special places

·           Location specific interpretations of values and narratives embedded into urban form

·           Use of native plants and ecosystems

·           Involving mana whenua into development of design proposals.

·           Expression of cultural identities throughout the project

22    Following the meeting, it was agreed that a member of the Aukaha planning team would join the Central City Plan project team to provide input at each stage of the project.

Access for All Forum (total attendees 30)

23    The forum is made up of disability groups, access groups, national disability representatives, pedestrian action network, older persons groups, breastfeeding mothers’ network, mothers groups, mental health groups, Southern District Health Board, disabled people from across Dunedin and CCS Disability Action Group to name a few.

·           Support for presentation as shown

·           Provide intimate spaces for those with mental health issues

·           General positive comments about universal design and Global Street Design Guide

·           Spaces for breast feeding mothers

·           Wide and clear footpaths

·           More seating for rest points

·           Spaces for people to walk together, meet and greet each other

·           Need for drop off points throughout George Street

·           Prioritise accessible car parking spaces in and around George Street

·           Support for access audit of the design, test drive before snagging and evaluation access audit as overall management of access issues.

DIAG Access Group (closed meeting 6)

24    The DIAG group is a Council affiliated group facilitated through the Community and Events Team, who support Council in access issues. The group members include disability organisations from across Dunedin.

·           Support for presentation as shown

·           Support putting people first design principle

·           Support shared spaces or pedestrianisation

·           Would like to see consultation material such as models for blind people to engage with

·           Improve signage across Dunedin with audio and tactile maps that are inclusive.

City of Literature Forum (total attendees 30)

25    The forum members include prominent writers, organisations and prominent literary figures from across Dunedin.

·           Support for presentation as shown

·           Discussion about trams and budget

·           Supportive of celebrating city of literature

Youth Workshop and Dunedin Youth Council (total attendees 30)

26    These sessions were organised by the Dunedin Youth Council, advertised in schools across Dunedin and on the DYC social media channels. The sessions were attended by school children, DYC representatives and local children who were in the city library or hanging out with the friends in the vicinity. Feedback is summarised below:

·           Support for presentation as shown

·           Water feature

·           Events and activities for young people to do

·           Heritage information to learn about Dunedin

·           Celebrating culture in Dunedin and multicultural narratives

·           More children/youth spaces

·           Improve vibrancy

·           More seating and meeting spaces

·           More greenery and green spaces

·           Digital world embrace technology and code

Knox Church (total attendees 6)

27    This session was attended by the Pastor and members of the Deacon Property team as well as volunteers who maintain the church and its gardens.

·           Support for presentation as shown

·           Concerns about transport network and cars

·           Would like a Knox Precinct area

·           Extend their greenspace for the community to enjoy

·           Improve lighting

·           Calm traffic on George Street, especially outside the church

·           There are too many cars on the street

·           Development of laneways

·           Improvement to accessibility of car parks

·           More seating

·           Greenery and greenspaces

Generation Zero (total attendees 30)

28    Generation Zero is a youth-led climate organisation, active in Dunedin that champions solutions towards a carbon neutral future.

·           Support for presentation as shown

·           Improve traffic safety

·           Some support for shared spaces in some blocks

·           Use of rain gardens and sustainable urban drainage systems

·           More greenery and green spaces

·           More street cafes

·           Include children/youth spaces for play

·           Artistic interventions

·           Development of inner-city residential areas above shops

·           Prepare for future infrastructure e.g. driverless cars etc

·           Less cars and slowing traffic

·           Some support for full pedestrianisation

·           More recycling hubs in and around George Street

29    Generation Zero has provided a formal submission which is included as Attachment I.

Senior Climate Action Network (total attendees 6)

·           Support for presentation as shown

·           Emphasis on Public Transport

·           Use of bollards to pedestrianise at certain times

·           Other energy efficient and environmentally friendly modes of transport

·           Connections of landmarks in the city

·           More events and activities

·           Support for pedestrianisation or shared spaces with bollards for operational hours

Heritage Forum (total attendees 40)

30    The heritage session was hosted by Southern Heritage Trust and titled “Visions for Dunedin: Understanding Dunedin’s part when developing its future.” Attendees included representatives from Heritage New Zealand, local historians, building owners and local heritage champions from across Dunedin. The format included an introduction on Dunedin pre and post 1840 and the development of Dunedin city from the DCC Heritage Advisor and followed by the workshop presentation.

31    A summary of the feedback from this workshop included:

·           Support for presentation as shown

·           Archaeology and breaking ground throughout the works

·           Restoration and re use of heritage buildings

·           Would like to see development of laneways in the city

·           Don’t want to see demolition of heritage buildings for car parks

·           Comments about transport network and hospital developments

Mental Health Group – Wakari Hospital SDHB (total attendees 15)

32    A summary of the feedback from this workshop included:

·           Support for presentation as shown

·           Design of intimate spaces for George Street that aren’t overwhelming

·           Break out locations on George Street for people to go like a crisis clinic

·           Support shared spaces in some blocks

·           Importance of working with mana whenua and celebrating culture

Inner City Residents & City Rise Up (total attendees 15)

33    A summary of the feedback from this group included:

·           Support for presentation as shown

·           Accessibility/visibility of underground services

·           More greenery and greenspaces including their management

·           Supportive of barnes dances

·           Focus on public transport – buses and trams

·           Events and activities

·           Tackling antisocial behaviour

·           Parking areas outside of George Street and free travel within CBD

34    Two full submissions were received from the Southern District Health Board and the Property Council NZ. These are included as Attachments J and K.

35    Verbatim comments from the stakeholder workshops can be found in Attachment L.

 

Public Feedback

36    Public feedback was sought through an online survey, paper based surveys at letterbox locations and a new online tool, Social Poinpoint, which enabled residents to make a comment about a specific location within the project area.

37    554 people commented on the online engagement tool and 293 responded to the survey. Access to Social Pinpoint is available on the following link and all comments can be viewed here. A copy of the survey is included as Attachment M.

38    DCC Survey responses are summarised in the graphs below. Feedback to survey questions are summarised by topic, where the topic was mentioned. Survey verbatim comments can be found in Attachment M.

Of the 293 who completed the DCC Survey, the graph above shows how often consultees visit the central city.

This graph indicates the reason why consultees visit the central city. Of the 293 participants, the majority specified more than a single reason for visiting.

 

This graph indicates the mode by which consultees get to the central city. Of the 293 participants, the majority specified more than a single mode of transport.

This graph indicates comments relating to the layout of the street when mentioned (note: not all comments mentioned street layout)

This graph indicates comments relating to street movement of the street when mentioned (note: not all comments mentioned movement)

This graph indicates comments relating to placemaking when mentioned (note: not all comments mentioned placemaking)

This graph indicates comments relating to placemaking when mentioned (note: not all comments mentioned placemaking)

This graph indicates comments relating to parking when mentioned (note: not all comments mentioned parking)

39    Social Pinpoint interactive mapping responses are indicated in the graphs below – verbatim comments can be found in Attachment O.

This graph indicates comments relating to the layout of the street when mentioned (note: not all comments mentioned street layout)

This graph indicates comments relating to street movement of the street when mentioned (note: not all comments mentioned movement)

This graph indicates comments relating to placemaking when mentioned (note: not all comments mentioned placemaking)

 

This graph indicates comments relating to placemaking when mentioned (note: not all comments mentioned placemaking)

This graph indicates comments relating to parking when mentioned (note: not all comments mentioned parking)

 

OPTIONS

40    As this is an administrative report for noting there are no options.

NEXT STEPS

41    The next steps are to develop a concept design using the feedback received. This concept design will be reported to Council prior to further engagement.

42    The project team will also continue to work on the procurement process to engage the design and construction team to deliver this project.

 

Signatories

Author:

Kathryn Ward - Principal Urban Designer

Richard Saunders - Group Manager Transport

Authoriser:

Sandy Graham - General Manager City Services

Attachments

 

Title

Page

a

Roadshow & Letterbox Locations (Under Separate Cover)

 

b

CCP George Street Flyer (Under Separate Cover)

 

c

CCP Letterbox (Under Separate Cover)

 

d

CCP George Street Roadshow Banners (Under Separate Cover)

 

e

CCP George Street workshop presentation (Under Separate Cover)

 

f

Consultation images (Under Separate Cover)

 

g

Chamber of Commerce Submission (Under Separate Cover)

 

h

Heart of Dunedin submission (Under Separate Cover)

 

i

Generation Zero Submission (Under Separate Cover)

 

j

Southern District Health Board submission (Under Separate Cover)

 

k

Property Council NZ submission (Under Separate Cover)

 

l

Stakeholder Feedback Summary and Verbatim Comments (Under Separate Cover)

 

m

CCP Survey (Under Separate Cover)

 

n

Public Feedback - DCC Survey Summary and Verbatim Comments (Under Separate Cover)

 

o

Public Feedback - Social Pinpoint Sumary and Verbatim Comments (Under Separate Cover)

 

 

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

 

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision/report/proposal relates to providing local infrastructure and it is considered good-quality and cost-effective.

 

Fit with strategic framework

 

Contributes

Detracts

Not applicable

Social Wellbeing Strategy

Economic Development Strategy

Environment Strategy

Arts and Culture Strategy

3 Waters Strategy

Spatial Plan

Integrated Transport Strategy

Parks and Recreation Strategy

Other strategic projects/policies/plans

 

Delivery of the Central City Plan projects will continue to a range of objectives contained within Dunedin City Council strategies.

Māori Impact Statement

Consultation has been undertaken with mana whenua.

Sustainability

Sustainability will be a key consideration during the development of this project.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

Funding for the Central City Plan is included in the Long Term Plan.

Financial considerations

There are no financial considerations associated with this report.

Significance

This report is considered low significance in terms of the Council’s Significant and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

Significant external engagement has occurred during this engagement process

Engagement - internal

Significant internal engagement has occurred throughout this process

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

This is not a decision making report.

Conflict of Interest

No conflicts have been identified.

Community Boards

George Street is not located within a Community board area.