Government progresses plan changes to enable growth for New Plymouth
The New Zealand Government will amend New Plymouth’s District Plan to remove consenting barriers, reduce costs, and support housing and development growth while maintaining environmental safeguards.
The Government will progress targeted changes to New Plymouth’s District Plan to ease building and development processes, removing unnecessary consenting requirements and planning barriers. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop stated that planning rules should facilitate growth and avoid delays that hinder investment and employment opportunities. The amendments follow an investigation under the Resource Management Act 1991, initiated in February 2026 at the request of the New Plymouth Mayor, which identified provisions negatively impacting economic outcomes.
The proposed amendments will address specific provisions such as eaves and residential building coverage controls, outlook space requirements, outdoor living space, disability parking, driveway widths, earthworks limits, alterations to existing structures, and mixed-use zone activities. Bishop emphasized that these changes aim to streamline consenting, reduce applicant costs, and improve planning system efficiency while preserving environmental protections.
A consultation process received 20 submissions, which were carefully reviewed as part of the decision-making process. Bishop confirmed that the provisions under review were found to hinder economic growth, development capacity, or employment, reinforcing the need for reform. The Government’s focus remains on ensuring planning rules support investment and development without imposing unnecessary financial or administrative burdens.
The New Plymouth District Council formally responded to the investigation report on 7 August 2026. The Government will now advance drafted regulations before presenting them to Cabinet for approval, marking the next step in implementing the targeted amendments to the District Plan.