New developments in the port town will now no longer be required to provide car parking on site.
Greater Christchurch Regeneration associate minister Poto Williams used her powers under the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act to amend the rule in the Christchurch District Plan.
The proposal to get rid of the on-site parking requirement was put forward by the Christchurch City Council due to concerns it was an obstacle to development.
Deputy Mayor and Banks Peninsula city councillor Andrew Turner has previously said the requirement inhibited development in the area.
Developers could apply to not provide on-site parking, but they said it was an expensive and time-consuming process.
Ms Williams said her decision recognises Lyttelton’s unusual geography, which has meant prospective developers were often unable to meet the on-site parking requirement.
The amendment removes the Lyttelton Commercial Zone on-site car parking requirement where it applies to new developments, except for residential developments involving more than two residential units.
“Removal of the parking requirement will provide certainty for developers and contribute to both the development of sites that have been vacant since the earthquakes, and the overall regeneration of the town centre,” said Ms Williams.
Fifteen of the 20 written comments received during the public consultation period were in favour of the proposal, with four opposed, and one was neither in favour nor opposed.
