Proposed Urban Intensification Variation

Share Proposed Urban Intensification Variation on Facebook Share Proposed Urban Intensification Variation on Twitter Share Proposed Urban Intensification Variation on Linkedin Email Proposed Urban Intensification Variation link

Update: 8 April 2024

We plan to notify the summary of decisions requested on the proposed Urban Intensification Variation in May 2024.This will allow original submitters and anyone with an interest greater than the general public to make further submissions in support or opposition to any of the 1,259 original submissions made.

If you made a submission on the proposed Urban Intensification Variation, you’ll receive an email or a letter notifying you when further submissions are underway. After that, you’ll be able to present your submission on the topic to a hearings panel.


Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is proposing a variation to the Proposed District Plan (PDP) which would increase urban density in some areas of the Queenstown Lakes District. The changes would:

  • enable increased heights and densities in some zones, and
  • include proposals to rezone land close to commercial areas in Queenstown, Frankton and Wānaka to enable intensification of development.

The proposed Variation also includes amendments to planning provisions to:

  • recognise the benefits of intensification, such as providing for a greater variety of housing near public services and infrastructure, reduce the need for greenfield expansion into sensitive landscapes and over land with productive potential, and creating a more compact urban form that will reduce the need to travel and may help lower emissions
  • ensure intensification areas are high quality, pleasant environments that people enjoy
  • to ensure intensification can be serviced through appropriate infrastructure.

For more information on detailed proposed changes to the provisions, click here.


Why are we doing this?

The proposed Urban Intensification Variation gives effect to central government’s National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD). The NPS-UD sets national direction to ensure Aotearoa New Zealand has well-functioning urban environments that meet the diverse and changing needs of our communities and future generations.

The NPS-UD sets out objectives and policies that councils must give effect to. QLDC’s proposed Urban Intensification Variation specifically gives effect to the intensification directive (Policy 5), but also the wider directives of the NPS-UD. Specific requirements that the District Plan needs to give effect to include:

  • District Plans are required to enable heights and density of urban form that commensurate with the greater of:
    1. The level of accessibility by existing or planned active or public transport to a range of commercial activities and community services; or
    2. relative demand for housing and business use in that location.
  • District Plans need to provide for at least sufficient development capacity to meet expected demand. For housing it needs to be for both standalone dwellings and attached dwellings, and for business land it needs be for different business sectors.
  • The rules and policies within the District Plan also have to be individually and cumulatively consistent with the development outcomes described in the objectives for each zone.

QLDC’s proposed Variation gives effect to these requirements which assist with achieving a compact urban form, with smaller unit sizes and attached housing typologies, so more people may benefit from living in locations with access to commercial activities and community services.

A compact urban form may contribute to a well-functioning urban environment by reducing the demand for greenfield development and its effects upon sensitive environments, landscape values and productive land supply as well as the inefficient expansion of infrastructure. A compact urban form may also reduce reliance on private vehicle use; maximise the use and viability of public transport, walking and cycling; and improve the efficient operation of public utilities which will reduce energy demand and limit greenhouse gas emissions. In locations that aren’t currently served by public transport, a compact urban form may make the future provision of public transport more viable.

The proposed Variation also marks the implementation of Outcome 1 of the Queenstown Lakes Spatial Plan for consolidated growth and more housing choice, making sure future growth happens in the right areas and is serviced by the right public infrastructure.


What land does the Variation apply to?

The proposed Variation applies to existing urban areas within QLDC’s PDP. Changes to planning maps are proposed to enable intensification of development in areas close to commercial areas in Queenstown, Frankton and Wānaka. The planning provisions proposed to be amended are within the following chapters of the PDP:

  • Chapter 2 Definitions
  • Chapter 4 Urban Development
  • Chapter 7 Lower Density Suburban Residential Zone
  • Chapter 8 Medium Density Residential Zone
  • Chapter 9 High Density Residential Zone
  • Chapter 12 Queenstown Town Centre Zone
  • Chapter 13 Wānaka Town Centre Zone
  • Chapter 15 Local Shopping Centre Zone
  • Chapter 16 Business Mixed Use Zone
  • Chapter 27 Subdivision and Development.

Maps of areas in the Queenstown Lakes District

>> For proposed changes to the rules and standards (provisions) that apply to each zone, click here.

>> For a map showing all proposed re-zoning of land in the Queenstown Lakes District, click here.

>> For a map showing the existing zoning of land in the Queenstown Lakes District, click here.


What's the latest?

We plan to notify the summary of decisions requested on the proposed Urban Intensification Variation in May 2024.This will allow original submitters and anyone with an interest greater than the general public to make further submissions in support or opposition to any of the 1,259 original submissions made.

If you made a submission on the proposed Urban Intensification Variation, you’ll receive an email or a letter notifying you when further submissions are underway. After that, you’ll be able to present your submission on the topic to a hearings panel.


Keen to understand how variations work?

You’ll find a handy guidance sheet on plan changes, variations, and the submission process at www.qldc.govt.nz/plan-changes-and-variations.

Update: 8 April 2024

We plan to notify the summary of decisions requested on the proposed Urban Intensification Variation in May 2024.This will allow original submitters and anyone with an interest greater than the general public to make further submissions in support or opposition to any of the 1,259 original submissions made.

If you made a submission on the proposed Urban Intensification Variation, you’ll receive an email or a letter notifying you when further submissions are underway. After that, you’ll be able to present your submission on the topic to a hearings panel.


Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is proposing a variation to the Proposed District Plan (PDP) which would increase urban density in some areas of the Queenstown Lakes District. The changes would:

  • enable increased heights and densities in some zones, and
  • include proposals to rezone land close to commercial areas in Queenstown, Frankton and Wānaka to enable intensification of development.

The proposed Variation also includes amendments to planning provisions to:

  • recognise the benefits of intensification, such as providing for a greater variety of housing near public services and infrastructure, reduce the need for greenfield expansion into sensitive landscapes and over land with productive potential, and creating a more compact urban form that will reduce the need to travel and may help lower emissions
  • ensure intensification areas are high quality, pleasant environments that people enjoy
  • to ensure intensification can be serviced through appropriate infrastructure.

For more information on detailed proposed changes to the provisions, click here.


Why are we doing this?

The proposed Urban Intensification Variation gives effect to central government’s National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD). The NPS-UD sets national direction to ensure Aotearoa New Zealand has well-functioning urban environments that meet the diverse and changing needs of our communities and future generations.

The NPS-UD sets out objectives and policies that councils must give effect to. QLDC’s proposed Urban Intensification Variation specifically gives effect to the intensification directive (Policy 5), but also the wider directives of the NPS-UD. Specific requirements that the District Plan needs to give effect to include:

  • District Plans are required to enable heights and density of urban form that commensurate with the greater of:
    1. The level of accessibility by existing or planned active or public transport to a range of commercial activities and community services; or
    2. relative demand for housing and business use in that location.
  • District Plans need to provide for at least sufficient development capacity to meet expected demand. For housing it needs to be for both standalone dwellings and attached dwellings, and for business land it needs be for different business sectors.
  • The rules and policies within the District Plan also have to be individually and cumulatively consistent with the development outcomes described in the objectives for each zone.

QLDC’s proposed Variation gives effect to these requirements which assist with achieving a compact urban form, with smaller unit sizes and attached housing typologies, so more people may benefit from living in locations with access to commercial activities and community services.

A compact urban form may contribute to a well-functioning urban environment by reducing the demand for greenfield development and its effects upon sensitive environments, landscape values and productive land supply as well as the inefficient expansion of infrastructure. A compact urban form may also reduce reliance on private vehicle use; maximise the use and viability of public transport, walking and cycling; and improve the efficient operation of public utilities which will reduce energy demand and limit greenhouse gas emissions. In locations that aren’t currently served by public transport, a compact urban form may make the future provision of public transport more viable.

The proposed Variation also marks the implementation of Outcome 1 of the Queenstown Lakes Spatial Plan for consolidated growth and more housing choice, making sure future growth happens in the right areas and is serviced by the right public infrastructure.


What land does the Variation apply to?

The proposed Variation applies to existing urban areas within QLDC’s PDP. Changes to planning maps are proposed to enable intensification of development in areas close to commercial areas in Queenstown, Frankton and Wānaka. The planning provisions proposed to be amended are within the following chapters of the PDP:

  • Chapter 2 Definitions
  • Chapter 4 Urban Development
  • Chapter 7 Lower Density Suburban Residential Zone
  • Chapter 8 Medium Density Residential Zone
  • Chapter 9 High Density Residential Zone
  • Chapter 12 Queenstown Town Centre Zone
  • Chapter 13 Wānaka Town Centre Zone
  • Chapter 15 Local Shopping Centre Zone
  • Chapter 16 Business Mixed Use Zone
  • Chapter 27 Subdivision and Development.

Maps of areas in the Queenstown Lakes District

>> For proposed changes to the rules and standards (provisions) that apply to each zone, click here.

>> For a map showing all proposed re-zoning of land in the Queenstown Lakes District, click here.

>> For a map showing the existing zoning of land in the Queenstown Lakes District, click here.


What's the latest?

We plan to notify the summary of decisions requested on the proposed Urban Intensification Variation in May 2024.This will allow original submitters and anyone with an interest greater than the general public to make further submissions in support or opposition to any of the 1,259 original submissions made.

If you made a submission on the proposed Urban Intensification Variation, you’ll receive an email or a letter notifying you when further submissions are underway. After that, you’ll be able to present your submission on the topic to a hearings panel.


Keen to understand how variations work?

You’ll find a handy guidance sheet on plan changes, variations, and the submission process at www.qldc.govt.nz/plan-changes-and-variations.

Page last updated: 08 Apr 2024, 10:55 AM