Will the UDA lead to less/more consistency of planning approaches throughout NZ?
Answer
It will lead to much more consistency across NZ’s urban areas (towns and cities). The UDA will be much more focussed on town and city development. The resulting Urban Development Plans (UDPs) will be based on the work done to create the Auckland Unitary Plan but customised by each city or district council.
Because the UDA is aiming to increase the quality and density of our urban areas and reduce our urban sprawl across our best fertile farming and orchard land, there will (over time) be more of a boundary and distinction between our rural and urban areas. This is a good and necessary thing if we are to aim for true sustainable cities.