Plan Change 49—Open Spaces

Current Status: Decisions on PC49 and Variation 1 were formally notified on 4 October 2024. The plan change is now in a 30 working day appeals period.

October 2024

At Ordinary Council on 25 September 2024, Council resolved to adopt all of the Independent Hearing Panel's recommendations on PC49 and Variation 1.

The panel recommendation report can be found below in the table. This decision was formally notified in The Post and on our website on 4 October 2024. The plan change now enters a 30 working day appeals period.

Please see the public notice(PDF, 108KB)  for more information about the appeals process.

May 2024

As per minute #12,  the hearing was closed on 5 June 2024.  The Panel now moves into its deliberative phase. This will conclude with the Panel providing written recommendations to Council for its consideration.

To watch the recording of the reconvened hearing (3 April) - please follow this link

To view the recordings of the initial hearing held in November 2023, please go to this page

Variation 1 to proposed Plan Change 49 - Silverstream Spur

In 2021 we carried out a review of the open space topic of our operative District Plan (2004). It was called Plan Change 49 - Open Spaces (PC49) and is part of our rolling review of the District Plan. It was informed by the research we've undertaken over the last few years, which included consultation with landowners, groups and clubs. PC49 was publicly notified on 11 August 2021.

To do this an additional step called a variation is required.  

Consultation for Variation 1 to Plan Change 49 closed on 4 November 2022, and we received 94 submissions.

Further submissions closed on 22 February 2023. Scroll down for more information, including the background of the plan change and the initial consultation.

CONSULTATION 2022

The PC49 Variation Proposal

Next Steps

Check the proposed zoning and read through the supporting information in the Notification section below.

Kōrero with us 

Background

September 2021 update

PC49 was publicly notified on 11 August 2021 and submissions closed on 5.00 pm Friday, 17 September 2021. We received 27 submissions on the proposed plan change during this time. The summary of submissions and the full submissions received can be viewed at the bottom of this page.

The District Plan manages activities and development within the Open Space Zone. This zone is comprised of predominantly publicly accessible land formed of our parks and reserves.

We know how much our community values the opportunities that our open spaces provide, including the ability to undertake passive and active recreation, conservation and customary activities, and community based events. Open spaces in Upper Hutt includes three regional parks managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council, and sports fields, green spaces, and community parks managed by Upper Hutt City Council. There are also several privately owned and operated sports clubs which contribute to recreational opportunities within Upper Hutt, including golf courses and shooting clubs. In 2018, Council adopted the Open Space Strategy which sets the overarching strategy for the open spaces of Upper Hutt, and identifies how the use of open spaces is changing.

We have undertaken a review of the open space topic of the operative District Plan (2004). This review has been titled Plan Change 49 and is part of our rolling review of the District Plan. Proposed Plan Change 49—Open Spaces (PC49) has been informed by the research we have undertaken over the last 18 months, which has included consultation with landowners and groups and clubs.

Proposed Plan Change

PC49 is proposing a number of changes to the management of open spaces within the District Plan. The District Plan will better align with the Open Space Strategy by considering the nature and scale of activities which may occur within open spaces, and will enable activities which are suitable within open spaces whilst managing those activities which could affect the amenity and use of our open spaces.

We also want to ensure the District Plan zoning is reflective of the extent of open spaces. This includes a proposed change to the zoning of the regional parks which are not currently zoned as open space, and the proposal to include privately run sports clubs within the zone. The existing Open Space Zone is proposed to be split into three separate zones:

1. Natural Open Space
2. Open Space
3. Sport and Active Recreation

These proposed zones reflect the different character of our open spaces, as well as the different activities which occur in the different parks and reserves of Upper Hutt. You can view the proposed zoning on our webmap.

Natural Open Space zone

The purpose of the Natural Open Space Zone is to allow for activities and development of an appropriate scale to occur in identified spaces whilst conserving the natural character and associated ecological and landscape values. These spaces provide a valuable contribution to the wellbeing of the Upper Hutt community, allowing us all to undertake recreation, customary, and conservation activities in a natural setting.

Open Space Zone

The Open Space Zone provides for spaces that allow for community activities including passive and informal sports activities, customary and conservation activities, and community gardens. These spaces also provide the opportunity to hold temporary events, and contribute to the amenity of residential areas.

Sport and Active Recreation Zone

The Sport and Active Recreation Zone allows for organised sporting activities with the facilities to enable a diverse range of indoor and outdoor sports activities. This zone includes publicly owned parks and reserves, as well as privately operated and owned sports clubs.

More information 

If you have any questions, please email the planning team: planning@uhcc.govt.nz